FNB WILLS

A year ago we lodged to FNB informing them of our mothers passing, they were the custodians of the WILL and final testament.

The first batch of documents that was submitted was lost by the bank. We were told this is due to the covid-19 mess. This was at the Cornubia branch in Durban.

The second batch - I cannot for the life of me now remember what happened, but we did our part as a family. But still the process was held up by FNB

We were eventually attended to, but till date literally a year later - we have not once seen this WILL or been called for its reading. Nor has the estate been finalized. Or regular updates given.

I once complained on twitter about FNB wills, I was referred to a gentleman by the name of Nicholas Mitchell, at first he was very professional, but I think he has gotten tired of us asking questions, during our last conversation he was very condescending - of course, he doesn't feel this frustration so apart from his obligations as an employee, he really does not need to care.

The manager handling our issue is Ms Yasmin Basha, she was requested by Mr Mitchell to ring me in March, she did, tried to explain their situation (telephonically) and promised to give a list of outstanding things for the finalization of our issue - till date there has been nothing.

I cannot speak much about Ms Sanele Khumalo, she is the lawyer who has been assigned our case, as the paper pusher, I can only imagine how much our emails frustrate her.

I am disappointed with FNB, every single consultant I have spoken to has been shocked at this service, apparently other families don't get these delays etc. and they often wonder if this is race based, apparently other races who are not black always get a better service on this. I certainly hope this is not true! I will not mention names deliberately, but I will mention that this has literally been said by every single black consultant I have spoken to at FNB. It would be interesting if internal research could be done to affirm or detest this claim, I do not work for FNB so I would not know - all I know is our experience in this matter and it is so disappointing.

If my mom was in debt or had multiple properties, I would actually understand the delays (maybe) but for an elderly woman who was trying to be responsible as a parent to have her estate be so mishandled is appalling to say the least.

I have tried my best to reach out to FNB on this situation. I actually do not know how to proceed any further.

This is why I am writing this review. I personally will never leave my WILL with them, due the lack of professionalism that we have experienced. I am also in the process of closing all my FNB accounts, savings, investments, day to day. The thought of this bank has left such a bitter taste in my mouth. it is such a pity that the very woman who introduced us to this bank, is the one whose estate is in question today.

I can only hope that in 2021 this process will be finalised. It is hanging over our heads and has caused emotional strain.