UK BEREAVEMENT BENEFITS

[Thai Widows and Expats]

For the benefit of members and guests looking in.

Upon the death of a British subject here in Thailand, there are no longer any Bereavement benefits for either his wife or children. These stopped almost 4 years ago.

Many British expats here still believe their widows will receive a lump sum payment of £2,000 + some additional benefits. Sadly they are no more.

Just this week,I have been helping 2 local widows, whose husbands, both in their 80's died recently, and they had told their wives that the DWP would look after them well!

Note also that many who receive monthly annuity payments from the UK may find that they did not provide for any payment to their wives after their death. Once in payment, an annuity cannot be changed to include a wife who came along later.

Finally a word of warning as to who you choose as executor or administrator of your estate. We have had 2 recent cases + several earlier ones, where family members have "dipped into" the estate money in the mistaken belief the widow or those assisting the widow will be unaware.

 

[CO-CO]

Makes a change from those cases where the husband told the wife that the British Embassy would take care of her financially when he died!

Maybe also worth mentioning that many people are not aware that marriage invalidates a Will. So for those Farangs who come to Thailand, and marry a Thai lady, they MUST make a new Will otherwise the rules of intestacy will apply. We have have seen more than one case where intended UK beneficiaries have lost out because the widow inherited everything under intestacy rules.

 

[Coffee]

Maybe also worth mentioning that many people are not aware that marriage invalidates a Will. So for those Farangs who come to Thailand, and marry a Thai lady, they MUST make a new Will otherwise the rules of intestacy will apply. We have have seen more than one case where intended UK beneficiaries have lost out because the widow inherited everything under intestacy rules.

Are you stating that a marriage invalidates a Will for citizens of the UK ?

If so I'm not so sure for American expats.

 

[CO-CO]

Will Unaffected by Later Marriage



In a few states, a will that predates a marriage is accepted as valid. Texas is an example of a state where the will would be probated as written even if the testator married after the will was executed.

 

[Prakhonchai Nick]

A UK Will is invalidated if a marriage occurs after the Will has been produced...UNLESS the Will was specifically drawn up in anticipation of an upcoming marriage and that is clearly shown in the Will

 

[Coffee]

Will Unaffected by Later Marriage



In a few states, a will that predates a marriage is accepted as valid. Texas is an example of a state where the will would be probated as written even if the testator married after the will was executed.

Interesting. Thank you @CO-CO .
I wasn't familiar with Texas

 

[gotlost]

Interesting. Thank you @CO-CO .
I wasn't familiar with Texas

Even Texans aren't.

 

[Ivor the Engine]

I started with nothing and I've nearly got most of it left!