I went into my Mum's bank branch today with the probate cert and bank form to sort out her account balance. I handed over the probate release to get copied and certified and then got asked if I had her death certificate.
"Madam," I said "When did you last see a certificate of Probate when the person was still alive?"
Then i got asked for id to prove who i was.
"Madam, the form in front of you asks you to send a cheque for the balance in the name of the executor on the form to the address of the executor on the probate form so why the heck does it matter who i am? Yes, i am the executor but I could just as easily be a friend doing a favour."
And just 'cos i was in a cheeky mood I then canvassed all the people in the queue behind me as to whether they'd ever seen a probate form for someone still alive.....