Cheque to 'executor'

I think Aviva were right unfortunately, from what I remember of my husband's will. Though I admit it's all a bit hazy so very willing to be corrected.
Nationwide helped me a lot. Good old fashioned branch service. Don't suppose you have an account with them?

I had this with my mother, and it was changed after I rang. The employee is wrong. With some estates( probably larger ones) the executors do set up a special account, probably also when they might not be beneficiaries. I would go onto the Avila website and send in a complaint to customer services.

Thanks to you both for your answers.

maryeliza54, writing to Aviva is definitely next on my list, working my way up the hierarchy if necessary.

With hindsight, I should also have asked to speak to a supervised yesterday, having got nothing but company policy spouted at me repeatedly (in a manner that was bordering on rude, too, i felt), but for some reason it didn't occur to me at the time. Probably because of the very long wait on hold, then the brick wall at the end of it!

I don want to 'tell' you what to do but my advice really would now be to email via their on line complaints form. Earlier this year, I had to settle my uncle's estate ( no will). I gave up on phone calls as if I spoke to 3 different people I got 5 different answers. If I wrote, the letter somehow 'disappeared'. Email leaves the audit trail and they know that. Also the complaints process has built in time limits. The refund must be a relatively small amount so I really don't understand their problem. Sometimes with some of the companies who paid me money ( even before probate and in one case over £6000) all I had to do to get a cheque made out to me was sign an indemnity firm basically saying I would make sure the money was distributed as it should be and it was now my responsibility. I am still quite battle scared from the whole process but learned a lot about both how to and how not to do it. One company behaved so badly that I got £50 compensation for delays which I gave to the charity we had decided on in memory of my uncle. I also did make the point when necessary that this money was due because of a bereavement and that they should be mindful of that when dealing with customers. The best companies were Royal London ( zillion gold stars) and the Coop Bank ( similar gold stars). Good luck - I'd be interested to hear how you get on

Sorry for the loss of your dad Mamacaz.
I don't know why they couldn't just make the cheque out to your mum.
My brother died suddenly in February this year and I was executor and sole beneficiary. I did have to go through probate but used a solicitor. However I dealt with a lot of stuff myself to save time and money and in all cases except one I was sent cheques in my name. I can't remember which it was now but it was made out to my brother. As his current account was still open at the time I paid it in using his debit card and the automated machine at his bank. I hope you get things sorted speedily.

As I understand it, an 'executor's account' is optional anyway - a lot of people think it easier to have a separate account, but as long as you keep proper accounts, you can use your own bank account.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but I would contact the Probate Office, who are normally very helpful. Explain that you do not want to apply for probate (they understand, many people in this situation don't) and ask if they have any advice.

Some very good advice. Thank you everyone.

Mamcaz, a sad time for you . Do not work your way up the hierarchy with your complaint. Go straight to the chairman. I have found that effective in all sorts of disputes with companies.

I agree with M0nica. Find out the name of the top banana, and copy him in.
I’ve found a wee post on Twitter guarantees a prompt communication!

I am executor for my stepmum,and we did set up an executor's account, but this was entirely optional. We have been told that a cheque made out in either of our individual names would also be acceptable. It is not essential to have an "executor's account", and indeed some banks won't offer this option anyway, certainly not if you don't bank with them. And yes, we weren't allowed to take anything out of the account until we got probate.

I was also an executor for my Dad. I set up an ordinary savings account in my name and asked for all the payments to be made out to me. I never had any problem.

When my husband died, I was in a similar position to your Mum - the house and the joint account automatically became mine, and probate wasn't required. I was his sole executor and beneficiary. There were a few odd repayments etc due, but no one questioned my right to these assets.
Your mother is totally entitled to the money, and she can send a copy of the will to prove that she is the executor. Don't let them get away with this.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and your support.
In the end, I decided to email the customer complaints department, and have had a reply today apologising, and saying that a new cheque will be sent out shortly in my mum's name.

Most banks no longer offer executor accounts anyway. I had this problem of a cheque addressed to the executor with my husband's employer when he died. After months of arguing, they agreed to change it eventually.
I found that most places were difficult or plain ignorant when sort out my husband's estate. I gave up on chasing the money owed to me by the mortgage holder.

Thanks for update Mama glad that using online customer complaints worked - hope cheque arrives soon?