Bank Accounts

[Milkman007]

I am a joint executor for my late mother who died yesterday, the other executor is suggesting we make a withdrawal from her bank account to cover ongoing expenses etc before informing the bank of her death.

I'm aware we can submit an invoice to the Bank for Payment for things like funeral expenses etc.

To me, it seems wrong to take money from the account in this manner, I would appreciate a legal opinion on the matter, I don't wish to break the law etc but am I being OTT.

Thanks.

[des8]

Condolences on the loss of your mother.

Do not access your mother's account.until you have the grant of probate
It is illegal in most circumstances to do so, even if you have PoA as that authority ceases when the donor passes.

[dslippy]

Inform the bank immediately.
Open an executors' account. The bank may allow you to draw against a later transfer from your mother's account.
An executor does have authority to act from the date of death - it is a question whether others will deal on that basis. The executor's authority is confirmed by the grant of probate, not created by it.