[HPforGrownups] The UK and Godparents, was Re: Sirius and Gringotts

[Cindy Jenkins]

No: HPFGUIDX 95833

Bonny wrote:
>Another possibility is that the money in Sirius' vault automatically
>went to Sirius' heir upon his conviction. As Sirius has no children,
>and Harry is his Godson, it is possible that Harry has a legitimate
>legal claim to the money in that vault anyhow, without knowing it.

How do Godparents work in the UK?  Here (in the US) Godparents aren't a
legal guardian.  Most people name Godparents for their children, then they
also name a guardian in their will.  They may name the Godparent, but if
they don't, whoever they do name becomes the guardian in the event of death.
But a Godparent wouldn't be able to sign a permission form like Sirius did
if the kid had other legal guardians (the Dursleys).  As for bank accounts,
you name the beneficiary.  You could name anyone, so Sirius could
conceivably name Harry.  I happen to think he did, and Harry will inherit
all of his possessions in book 6.  But simply being his Godson wouldn't give
Harry any rights to Sirius' money here, as Godson isn't a legal
relationship.

Is it different in the UK?  Or is this an indicator that Harry also has
access to Sirius' money, as a beneficiary?
Cindy