Probate on a will in the Philippines.

[sonjack2847]

I have been told by a few people that if I die my bank accounts even joint ones here would be frozen until probate has been carried out.

Has anybody any idea as to how long probate here takes and does anybody had any experience dealing, helping, with this.

I would hate to think my wife might struggle if it takes too long. She has her own accounts but after funeral expenses etc she might struggle if it takes a while.

 

[GeoffH]

No idea, but maybe a small safe in your house with some cash in it (sufficient for your funeral expenses) might work for that?

And it could double as "you have been injured or had a stroke or heart attack and need urgent medical care" fund as well?

 

Edited March 22, 2019 by GeoffH

[RubberChicken]

Most people are weeks or months ahead of the banks knowing a joint account holder is dead. No way they have a viable death index.

[Old55]

2 hours ago, GeoffH said:

No idea, but maybe a small safe in your house with some cash in it (sufficient for your funeral expenses) might work for that?

And it could double as "you have been injured or had a stroke or heart attack and need urgent medical care" fund as well?

 

I don't agree, word always seems to get out. Having a small safe with cash in it could invite trouble. A joint account in our home country much better option.

Edited March 23, 2019 by Old55

[GeoffH]

14 minutes ago, Old55 said:

I don't agree, word always seems to get out. Having a small safe with cash in it could invite trouble. A joint account in our home country much better option.

I can see where that would be an issue yes.

[hk blues]

I have yet to make a will here but am going to do it sooner rather than later.  I asked a lawyer here about bank accounts in the event of me dying (when not if)  and she said (off the record of course) that at some point the banks will catch up but that would likely take some time - hopefully by then probate would be over.  She also strongly advised that a will be made here for assets here and in the UK for assets there and not to try to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. 

[sonjack2847]

23 hours ago, GeoffH said:

No idea, but maybe a small safe in your house with some cash in it (sufficient for your funeral expenses) might work for that?

And it could double as "you have been injured or had a stroke or heart attack and need urgent medical care" fund as well?

 

Yes but I would still be alive and bank accounts would not be frozen. Plus as somebody else mentioned you don`t want to keep too much money in the house. 

[sonjack2847]

21 hours ago, RubberChicken said:

Most people are weeks or months ahead of the banks knowing a joint account holder is dead. No way they have a viable death index.

If a brit dies the local embassy warden will be at the funeral, it will get around and I would rather not take the chance of my 2 struggling.

[Jack Peterson]

23 hours ago, RubberChicken said:

Most people are weeks or months ahead of the banks knowing a joint account holder is dead. No way they have a viable death index.

 Well I don't know which Philippines you live in but believe me her in our Part of the World (Dumaguete) the Locals are very quick at telling us who has Passed away ( foreigners included) There are No secrets here and I for one am with Kevin (sonjack)  on this, better safe than sorry. Delay the Reporting and they will Delay Everything else  

[Mike J]

42 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

Well I don't know which Philippines you live in but believe me her in our Part of the World (Dumaguete) the Locals are very quick at telling us who has Passed away ( foreigners included)

Also true in Moalboal.  This is why I know for sure that I am still alive.