LONDON, UK – 4th July 2025 – A first-of-its-kind service has launched in the UK to ease the burden on family members going through probate and beyond.

In a world of apps and cloud storage, the NOTA:BENE System stores the financial and practical details of a life in one box; from what savings accounts exist to when to feed the cat and where to find the stopcock.

After a death, families are often overwhelmed not just by grief, but by a mountain of probate paperwork; a challenge reflected in the staggering £50 billion of dormant assets[i] believed to be lying unclaimed across the UK. Much of this, including forgotten pensions, is often lost when the paper trail disappears.

All too often, families are left rifling through filing drawers and plastic bags in search of critical life insurance policies or guessing the PIN for a phone where precious photos are stored.

“We created the NOTA:BENE System because no family should face chaos on top of grief,” said Deborah Meller, founder of NOTA:BENE.

“Today we are sharing our experience of the common probate pitfalls that trip people up so families can start conversations with elderly relatives now and inherit memories, not a mess.”

Top 5 probate headaches people don't see coming:

1. Old Share Certificates: These could be worth hundreds or even thousands, but dealing with them after the owner's death is fiendishly difficult, especially if they're overseas - gather and sell while alive.

2. Digital Assets, Like Photos or Crypto: Priceless family photos are frequently lost forever behind Face ID or two-factor authentication that is no longer accessible - appoint a digital executor.

3. The 'Correct' Will: Unwitnessed changes, scribbled notes or remembered promises can trigger family disputes and lasting tensions - identify the final and legally valid Will.

4. Inheritance Tax Demands Before Funds Can Be Released: A very common catch-22 that most don't see coming — make financial provision in a joint account.

5. Life Insurance Providers Lost Through Mergers: Tracking down a provider that’s been through two or more mergers can turn into a scavenger hunt involving multiple ID checks - keeping up-to-date records is essential.

The system is especially relevant for the older generation. Research shows that people over 70 are the least likely to trust digital platforms for storing sensitive information[ii], often preferring paper due to fears around hacking and data loss.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Deborah Meller is in her late 50s and is an advocate for late career pivots. She embraced entrepreneurship after a career in financial services, having witnessed first-hand how disorganisation delays the grieving process — and how a little preparation can make a world of difference.

For more information go to: www.notabenesystem.co.uk

[i] £50 billion in lost/unclaimed UK assets - almost 75% are pensions. https://www.ft.com/content/e3e91313-fc53-495b-9281-0e80096c0a4b

[ii] In 2023 Age UK research found that 'many older people are reluctant to provide personal details and confidential information to a webpage.' https://www.idsmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/offline-and-overlooked-report.pdf

Press enquiries:

For interviews with Deborah Meller or access to client case studies, please contact: press@notabenesystem.co.uk

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