Dying for an answer

I am not sure I understand the implications of the article 'Solicitors follow letter of the law over death issue' (see [2001] Gazette, 8 March...I am not sure I understand the implications of the article 'Solicitors follow letter of the law over death issue' (see [2001] Gazette, 8 March, 5).

It appears to suggest that a solicitor dealing with an estate should simply write to, say, the deceased's bank, giving notification of the death but without sending an original death certificate or a photocopy.

This would presumably be coupled with a request to the bank to provide details of the deceased's accounts, for inclusion in the probate papers.

This is exactly what I used to do until, years ago, banks and other organisations began to insist on seeing a death certificate, or a certified copy of it, before they would release the required information.

Recently, and for the first time in my experience, a bank has insisted upon seeing an original death certificate in a case where I had initially sent only a certified photocopy.

I do not understand how an announcement by the economic secretary to the Treasury will alter the banks' current practice.

Perhaps someone could plcase enlighten me.

AJ Morgan, Risdon Hosegood Solicitors, Taunton, Somerset