Whilst administering his father’s estate, a son found an email relating to an online betting account which his late father had set up.

After making some enquiries the son found out that there was approximately US$ 5000 in the account. A nice surprise many might say, but this was only the start of a lengthy and costly story.

The son had obtained a UK Grant of Probate to deal with the UK assets, but because the online betting account was based in the US it was necessary to start an administration process there too. Most, but not all of the $5000 was eaten up in costs.

In this age of “online activity” it is very easy to set up various accounts etc, but how much thought is given at the time of the problems and issues that might arise after death.

With online accounts there is often no paper trail for Executors or next of kin to follow.

Therefore it is essential to keep records so that your Executors can trace all your assets wherever in the world they may be (but at the same time observing non disclosure clauses in online agreements.


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Published - January 2012