Why did bank freeze mum’s account?

N.L. writes: I had power of attorney over my mother’s financial affairs, and I accompanied her to the local Halifax branch, where we signed papers so on her death there would be no issue accessing her accounts. We also went to Yorkshire Bank to do the same thing, where I was told that all I needed to do on her death was to produce the power of attorney. Since then, my mother has died and, despite its original advice, Yorkshire Bank has frozen her account and taken back the debit card I held.

THE bank was right to freeze the account – and wrong to advise you earlier that you could use your mother’s account after her death. A straightforward power of attorney ceases to have any effect when the person who granted it dies. At this point, it is the executors who have control of the deceased’s assets.

Many banks, including Yorkshire Bank, offer a simplified procedure where the hassle and expense of applying for a grant of probate can be avoided. Your mother’s estate was large enough to rule out this scheme, though. Officials at the bank have apologised and sent you £100 as a gesture of goodwill. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.