I have lived there for the past 18 months, but before that was 20 years ago. I am not on rent book, nor council tax or electoral register though but have proof of living there for the past 18 months. Also I previously lived in another council home with my wife for nearly 20 years and am listed on that tenancy, council tax and electoral roll. I didnt get round to changing things over as the move to my mothers was only meant to be temporary.

I've told him as much. I do have proof of living there but not electoral or council tax bill. Its mainly bank statements and utility accounts over the past 12 moonths. The property is a secure tenancy hasnt been handed down through succession previously and has been my mothers home for the past 54 years. I did live there previously but that was over 20 years ago.

My mother was on state pension so no involvement with HMRC

Thanks for the replies guys its much appreciated.

Tax liabilities? What about overpaid benefits, I.E housing etc. If the deceased was receiving them but wasnt entitled to? 99% certain this isnt the case but you never know, just covering every eventuality. I need to put his mind at ease as he is a panicker.

What kind of HMRC purposes? Next of kin is a tricky one, My elder brother is named as next of kin of my mothers passport, my sister is named as next of kin on all medical documents and there is another eldest brother, does he not become next of kin being the eldest? But in a nutshell, The bother who signed for the death certificate is not legally responsible for anything? Only that he informed the resistry of death?

Thanks for the replies, Its not me thats worrying I didnt sign the death certificate. I may have complicated things slightly. The exact situation is My mother passed away recently and I am in the process of trying to obtain succession of tenancy with the council. The problem is my brother who signed the death certificate believes he will be financially liable for any debt etc I build up while going through this process, like running up electric, gas, phone bills etc which are all in my mothers name at the moment. I have every intention of paying these myself but older brothers being as they are, he thinks that if things go south regarding the tenancy I'll just walk away leaving him with debts. Ive tried to explain to him that he isnt liable but he knows better!!!! because his name is on the death certificate.

The possessions that were split are only of sentimental value, The complete total of "financial wealth" of the deceased was paid directly by the bank to the funeral directors and that account is now empty and closed, so as such there is no estate to speak of, its no hardship for us to all chip in and pay the outstanding utilty bills. Just asking about the legalities of signing a death certificate as the informant of death, does this person legally become the executor if the deceased hasnt appointed one and no will exists.

Can anyone tell me the legal responsibilities of a person who signs for a death certificate as the informant of death. The deceased left no will as no money or property is involved. The deceased lived alone in council property and the only finances were all used to cover funeral expenses. Anything of value has been divided equally between family members with all in agreement. The only items left are furnishings etc, do the family have to pay for these to be removed or will the council take care of this when the property is handed back. Any other responsilities for the signee of the death certificate? There are a few unpaid utility bills outstanding totally less than £300 Thanks

Just to update. I have heard absolutely nothing since sending in the letter requested. Hopefully it'll stay that way. Thanks to everybody for the advice.

Thanks Andy, Letter sent. I'll keep the thread updated on my progress.

Thanks for the reply Andy, How do I word a statement of truth? This is the letter I am intending to send to court, Is it OK? Name XXXXXXX Adress XXXXXX RE: Host Portfolio Holding 2 Ltd v Mr xxx xxx Case Number xxxxxxx Dear Sir/Madam, As Requested here is a copy of the defence submitted previously which was lost. 1 The Claimant's claim was issued on 13/02/17 2 The Defendant contends that the Claimant's claim so issued is a claim in contract and is statute barred pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of the limitation act 1980. . If, which is denied, the claimant contends that the Defendant is in breach of the alleged contract, in excess of 6 years have elapsed since the date on which any cause of action for breach accrued for the benefit of the Claimant. . 3 The Claimant's claim to be entitled to payment of £2617.45 or any other sum, or relief of any kind is denied. Yours sincely Name

Update with my progress on this case. I had the call from Mediation, told them it was statute barred nothing to mediate. Received letter saying case has been transferred to my local court. Heard nothing for weeks, then received another letter asking for me to resubmit my defence as they have "lost" it from my file!! Do I just write down the original defence I was given or do I need to word it differently as I have to put it in writing and send it to the court? Thanks

Thanks for the advice DX, feeling a bit more confident now. If it does come to a hearing though think I'll take some documents just to prove beyond doubt that its been over 6 years approaching 7 now since I made any payment or had any kind of contact regarding this debt. Thanks for the help

Thanks for the reply Martin, If/when I get the call i just state what was in the original county court defence and have nothing further to add and that If they wish to continue I will gladly see them in court. If a court hearing is required I should just take printouts of my credit report listing when the last payment was made? Could I ask Barclays for statements covering the last 7 years if needed? I havent used my Barclays account for the last 7 years. Thanks for the help