The valid receipt creates the most problems as in most cases the insurance company requires Probate or Letters of Administration prior to signature being acceptable.

Any changes in the Policy (house mortgage for example) must have been discharged. Industrial insurance policies or those taken out by a third party on the life of the deceased can be settled before Probate or Letters of Administration.

Examination of Trusts will be necessary prior to payment if the policy is in trust or assigned to trustees. It is considered that a client should consult his insurance agent or solicitor or bank manager and due to delays that are inevitable the bank manager may assist financially as a temporary measure.