FAQs
Can we answer some of your questions right now?
Wills
How quickly can you draw up my will?
Usually within 10-12 working days of receiving your instructions. Please call
us for advice if you need your will more quickly than this
Will I need to see someone from Barclays to give you my
instructions?
No, our service is available either by post or
online. Occasionally it might be possible to arrange a personal
interview to take your instructions if you wish to appoint Barclays as your
executor. Please contact us for further details.
What if I need help with your forms?
You can call the Will Writing Help Line direct on 08457 585 443 (9am to 5pm,
Monday to Friday)
What happens if I don't make a will?
Your estate will be dealt with according to the
laws of intestacy. That may mean that your assets won't pass to those
who you want to benefit.
What should I do with my will once it is signed and witnessed?
You should make sure that you keep it in a safe and secure place. Although you
can keep it at home, it's better if it's in safe custody with your bank. Your
bank may charge for this service, but if you appoint Barclays to act as your
executor we offer a free service for your will to be held in our own safe
custody facility.
Executorship and Estate Administration
Who will deal with my estate when I die?
You'll need to appoint an Executor in your will. Executors have the
responsibility of dealing with everything that needs to be done after you die,
in particular collecting in all your assets and dealing with them as you
instruct in your will.
Can Barclays act as my executor as well as prepare my will?
One of our trained specialists will have responsibility for dealing with all
aspects of the administration of your estate, with access to the full range of
Barclays banking expertise and specialist services.
How would you deal with my house and my personal items?
We have a team of trained consultants across the country who are able to deal
with everything that needs to be attended to locally.
How much say will my family or beneficiaries have?
We consult with your beneficiaries and keep them up to date throughout the time
it takes to deal with your estate. Wherever possible, we take their wishes into
account, although we are impartial at all times and must make sure that your
wishes are followed, within the constraints of the law.
How will you know when you are needed?
We are usually advised that one of our customers has died by family, friends,
or via the local Barclays branch. As soon as we know, our service begins
immediately.
Trusts
Why would I want to put money into trust?
You may decide to set up a trust for a whole range of reasons. These might
include taking steps to try and reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable
when you die, providing flexible, financial protection for those important to
you and scope to benefit future generations in a tax efficient way.
I'm not sure if making a trust is right for me. Can I talk to
someone about this first?
Yes, we would always recommend that you discuss your needs informally with one
of our trust representatives - just contact us. If, after this discussion, a
need for a trust is identified, a meeting will be arranged to address your
specific requirements in detail.
Can I still have access to my money even though I've put it into
trust?
This will depend upon your own and your beneficiaries' needs and the type of
trust selected that will meet these. Usually, if you wish to save inheritance
tax by setting up a trust then you or your spouse / civil partner will not
be able to benefit from those assets transferred to the trust although there
are exceptions.
What sort of assets can I transfer to a trust?
Most types of asset can be gifted to a trust such as cash, stocks and shares
and property. In the vast majority of cases where Barclays act as trustee it is
usually a mix of cash and stocks and shares that are transferred into trust.
How will the trust assets be invested?
This will depend upon a number of factors including a trustee's legal
obligations, your own wishes and the needs of your beneficiaries.
If Barclays is to act as my trustee, how much do I have to
transfer into trust?
This will depend upon the type of assets that you wish to include but it could
be from as little as £50,000.
Power of Attorney (POA)
Who will deal with my affairs if you need to act as my attorney?
One of our team, specialising in this area, will deal with all aspects of the
attorneyship, with recourse to the full range of Barclays banking, specialist
services and expertise.
How will you know when it's time to take over and deal with my
affairs?
We are usually informed by friends or family that we need to consider becoming
involved. However, we will not take steps to act under a POA without
seeking medical advice from your GP or specialist.
What if I don't make a POA?
Usually, if you are unable to deal with your own financial affairs, a Receiver
will need to be appointed by the Court. This can be a time consuming and costly
procedure and the Receiver appointed is not necessarily someone you would have
chosen to deal with your affairs.
Are you able to act as attorney even if I am capable but
reluctant to deal with my own financial affairs?
Yes, we are able to assist at any time and can start acting as attorney upon
request from you. We would then meet with you to determine exactly what
financial duties you would like us to undertake. This might involve managing
your investments and other assets, selling your home (at your request) and
dealing with your taxation affairs on your behalf.
Probate Valuation
How quickly can you value a portfolio of stocks and shares for
probate or capital gains tax?
Usually within a week
How much do your services cost?
See our
full list of fees and charges.
* Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Calls may be monitored or recorded.
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