How can I check the value of shares for my deceased Nan?

Question

My grandmother died about six weeks ago and as part of the probate we have been asked to check the value of her shares on the day of her death.
We have no idea how to do this! (UK answers only please - obviously!!)

Answer 1

There are two easy ways

1.) Go to a good public library and ask for a copy of one of the serious newspapers, like Financial Times (the most comprehensive), The Times, Telegraph etc, dated one day after the death. The prices you see there will be for the previous day.

2) Find out who was your nan's stock broker and contact him, explaining the situation. He will be happy to help you as he will be hoping to get your custom. In fact if you let him know the number of shares he could do the whole valuation for you, which will be fully acceptable for probate etc.

If you have inherited the shares, why not become that broker's client and maintain the long standing relationship?

Answer 2

You may not have authority to do this. Check with the solrs who are in charge of her will at the minute only certain people as per the probate have authority to delve into her personal affairs, and financial institutions are quite strict on this.
You may be required to provide a certified copy of her death certificate and the probate/Will.
Only then will the financial institutions play ball unfortunately they have to do this so long lost relatives don't get there hands on any assets that they have no right too.
Good Luck

Answer 3

If you have the names of the companys , you can check the share prices on yahoo finance, or go to a building society ( halifax is a good one ) and ask if they will do it, they sell shares for a small price, so if they think they are getting some custom they should do it.

Answer 4

If you have the share certificate you can contact the holding company for a current value.

Answer 5

pick up that day's Financial Times from a magazine vendor and look out for their prices.