Can anyone help me. 2 years ago, my dad passed away leaving no will. We found some pension policies. Dad was made bankrupt in 1995. It took two year for the Official Receiver to reply to the Insurance Cos to say if they had an interest in the policies. We had to make a complaint and the Official Receiver's reply due to the complaint was that he had no interest in any policies. We did not go for probate during this time as dad had little money in his Building Society and were not sure if probate would be needed seeing that the policies were not protected. Anyhows, it has since come to our attention that because no claim was made within 2 years of my dads death, we have now to pay 55% tax. There is a Approved Occupational Pension Plan, with 2,142. A small life policy of 5894 sum assured. An approved Retirement Annuity Contract of 12,493.89. The money will pass to me and my sister as dad did not name the beneficiaries on his policies. It was not our fault if the tax is due.. is there anyway of avoiding this... does anyone know? please help. Thank you.