Dying without a will

My father died, then six months later his second wife died, I was then told my father had made a will so I went to holborn house where in his will he had left me £30.000 worth of jewllery, after making enquiries his wife had sold everything that should have been rightfully mine how come I was not informed at the time regarding the will?

When my uncle past away One of the cousins visited my sister to tell her he had left no will. She said when did he die. And was told 18 months ago! I can’t understand why we were not told sooner. His house was sold may 2014. He passed away Feburary 2013. The cousin asked for some telephone numbers and that was that. Why come and see and tell us now not sure what this means. she told my sister there won’t be much to come to us any way. What rights do we have. He wasn’t married and most of his brothers and sisters have passed away.

My Father went missing 23 years ago and left no will, after contacting various agencies and the police ,know Contact or sighting was ever made. My mother died in 2012 leaving a will , only her half has been settled via Probate, but my fathers share is still held with the Solicitor. I understand we need a presumption of Death Certificate in order to settle my Fathers Estate. Can you tell me how this can be obtained and would my Mothers Will be upheld in this matter, or would dads share be allocated by the Courts as in other circumstances my Fathers Estate would have passed to my Mother. We have a Solicitor but are no further forward in trying to resolve this matter.

Hi, can someone please help me, my mothers partner (not married) of 20 years sadly passed away and two weeks later my mother also sadly passed away, during the time they were together we very rarely saw my mothers partners family. And we were also told from the deceased that he had left a will as the estate was solely in his name, Since my mothers partner passed his family ransacked the home address which was also still my mums and my home at the time, they removed all paperwork including my mothers and also loose change and his laptop, they then told us he had left no will. About a year Before both passed away I moved in to the home address and now I am being told I have to leave as my mothers partners family wish to sell it. As a tenant do I now have rights? I have sent a standing search off as I believe there is a will out there but that could take 4 weeks and I’m being told they want me out now, so now not only have I lost my mother and a man who raised me and whom I classed as a father for 20 years but I am about to become homeless. No grant for representation has been authorised after looking on gov.uk nor have they put anything in the gazette. Also if my mum was still alive when her partner died would she not then inherit the estate or would they of had to of been married?

My nan died 3 years ago leaving a house to my dad and his 6 siblings. My father and 2 siblings want to sell the house, however, the other 4 wing to keep it. There have been many family meetings and the house was valued in January but still no concrete decisions being made. My dad cannot really afford a sucky or go take on the case and the 4 siblings are not communicating with him, what should he do?

My mum died and did not leave a will. My stepfather took everything and remarried very quickly. Can i find out what my mum had left behind ?

Hi my dad just passed away in january and his wife has taken everything my father had terminal cancer and was in a bad state she married him 10 days bethore he died and I know he was in no state to do so she has new what she has been doing all the time my father told me he didnt want to get married again so I think he was forced or didnt know what he was doing. I stayd with him on hes last days and the night he died and got took away from the house she told me to go and never come back someone please help she is a money grabing cow that has taken everything that belonged to him and wont let me see anything I dont know what to do?

We have just found out that my farther died 5month ago he was remarried he lived in spain yet his wife lives in uk. She said she had no phone no to let anyone know my dad has estate and money there are six of us to his first marriage i got his wifes number and rang her she wasnt intrested a neighbour in spain told one of the family my dad had died while on holiday my father told us he had left us everything how can i find out and are we entittle to anything

My mother died of terminal cancer 7 years ago, my sister and i nursed her through her illness and i was the only one who was with her right at the end. My father is disabled and so we received a grant to cover the cost of most of the funeral which my sister and myself organised and my father did not attend. The wake was held at my ex husband’s place of work, my father never settled the bill so my ex eventually did and then witheld the amount from my maintenance. My brother (who went awol some 5 years earlier leaving his son in my mother’s care) turned up at the funeral with his new girlfriend who made a scene causing our relationship to break down. After the funeral, my brother (having refused my mother’s dying wish to see him), moved into my parents home with my father and has been allowed to dispose of all of my mothers possessions and family photo’s etc including furniture and other items that belonged to me. I have been left with 1 photograph of my mother and her engagement ring which she gave me shortly before she died. Her ashes are still in my father’s house, although my brother has taken them and hidden them in the past. I have requested just a small amount of them in the past but my father refused saying he wants my mother scattered with him at the other end of the country when he dies. Legally, do i have any rights? I don’t wish to be unreasonable but i do not have any contact with my father and if my mothers ashes are scattered in London, there is little chance of me and my children ever being able to afford to visit. My brother’s young son who was left in my mother’s care, came to live with me when he was 13 as my mother was unable to care for him. He has never paid me a penny maintenance or ever helped care for my sick mother or disabled father before the death of my mother yet now he is in charge of everything and we have been left with nothing.

@Mez. Usually the spouse inherits, so there may be nothing untoward in her actions. If you feel your father’s wife has done anything unscrupulous you will need to see a solicitor.

@cruttenden. Seems strange that it’s taken 5 months to find out. Did you not bother trying to contact your father during that period? And yet now you want his money??

@tanni. You don’t really have any automatic rights in this, but in view of all that you’ve told us, maybe you should seek the advice of a solicitor to see if there’s anything extra than can be done.

@meena. Only with the help of a solicitor/legla professional really.

@JJ. The executor(s) arranges the payments once the estate has been valued (after debts etc have been cleared).

My father got married when he got sick his wife moved out of the house and left my self and sister to look after my dad. his wife only cam me down once a weeek to go to bank to take his money out . I paid bills bought food etc wit h my own money. washed dad mycooked and changed his nappy … she never done anything not even stayed one night. He has now passed away she wants me and my sister to move out the house so she can sell it. This can not be fair or right she did nothing as a wife how is she entitled to everthing?

my mother had me and my brother during her first marriage my father died my mother re married and had another child age 15 now my mothers 2nd marriage ended in violent separation 2 years ago and although not divorced both had applied no will was made and my mother committed suicide last year there is a home which was extended illegally and has spiralling debt and is about to be repossessed who benefits from her estate as the youngest child today has received a massive cheque and my brother and i got nothing this means her separated husband has access to this money HELP

my mother and father divorced when i was very young and both remarried, i have recently been in contact with my fathers family only to find that he had passed away 2 years earlier, he had no other children and left no will. His second wife has carried on living in the house am I entitled to any of the house.

My mother separated 10 years ago still married has 4 children has money left behind hasn’t done a will who would be entitled to what’s left ?

Generally he might be considered as a surviving spouse. Was there any documentation/financial arrangment etc at the time of the separation? Usually the surviving spouse takes the personal “chattels”plus a statutory legacy of £250,000 from the estate, plus half of any remaining balance. The surviving children or descendants equally share the other half of the remaining estate. You will need to ask a solicitor for advice really.

My dad passed away 2.5 years ago, and was never divorced from my mum, so she became his widow. A couple of weeks ago my dads mum passed away, although i believe there is a will i’m not 100% sure if this was changed at some point when my father passed away, so i’m assuming the will was the same. Would my mother still be entitled to some of the estate, although there are surviving brothers of my dad? Also if my dads brother passed away and there is no will, ( he isn’t married and has no children of his own) how would his estate be broken up, i.e would it go to his surviving brothers, or would it go to his brothers children and the grandchildren.

I was never married and have 5 children. I seperated in 2002 from this monster who made all our lives hell. For all this time he has made death threats etc and not paid for his children even though he was wealthy. He refused to do anything legal and I have been battling through the court to stay in our family home for years as we have lived here for 20 years now. This week we have found out that he has died and knew he was dying and of course never came to say sorry to any of us. He has written a will and his solicitor has refused to speak to my 22 year old daughter. His sisters and mum have taken over and even printed in the paper my children’s names which are very unusual all without our permission. Please help.

See a solicitor. Where someone dies intestate (with no Will), there are usually priorities in terms of inheritance where there is no surviving spouse.
1. Children or their descendants
2. Parents
3. Brothers or sisters or their descendants
4. Half siblings or their descendants
5. Grandparents
6. Uncles and/or aunts or their descendants
7. Half uncles and/or aunts or their descendants
8. Whole estate passes to the crown
So as children, the estate should have been divided among you.

Usually if a person dies intestate the main part of the estate goes to the spouse. To lodge a claim, the new partner would have take it to the courts. If they have a joint mortgage, this will of course be different.

my brother died without leaving a will he hasen’t spoken to my 2 sisters for 22 years they are after me to give them a share of everything even though my brother said they wont get anything when he dies is there anything i can do to stop them he always said everything was mine after he died

Ny father died.three years ago leaving a spouse and her adult son all of my fathers belongings were left in his home until recently since his wife died. My siblings and i bought him a lot of gifts over many years.are we entitled to have these items as he was our father not the womans sons .

Mum and dad seperated thirty years ago but were never divorced, I am their only child together, but mum had 5 other children from previous marriages. Dad died 11 years ago intestate, and mum died 8 years ago intestate. My dad paid into a private pension and they have just contacted my eldest half sister regarding his pension. So who is legally entitled to inherit

Unless contested, anything your mother leaves will go to your father.

My dad has received my mum death in service benefit, but we are worried he will use the money to drink him self to death as he is a alcoholic, he has become very aggressive and unreasonable since my mums death is there anything we can do?

You should seek advice from the solicitor. If it’s clear and the family/beneficiaries will accept it, then maybe his wishes can be respected.

Yes the rules of inheritance where there is no Will, state that an estate would be shared equally between the children or their descendants. If a son or daughter has already died, their children (the grandchildren of the deceased) inherit in their place.

My mother died several years ago. However I have only recently found out. My sister had everything that was left without my knowledge. Can I do something about it at such a late stage

My father died over a year ago and did not leave a will but I as his older of two daughters dealt with all the details .my father was an ex fireman and as such is now due a payment from his pension as they were all under paid but the sppa are asking me for them to pay out they want a copy of the will which there was none or conformation or court letter appointing me as executor which I don’t have ,what do I have to do or where do I stand in this matter

Did your father leave everything to your step mum? If so you probably have no claim on her estate. It might be worth have a word with the specialist solicitor to verify this.

My dad has recently died, his wife (seperated for 5years but still married on paper) is dealing with his estate and has told me to leave the room when talking about pensions and other things. I believe there was no will made but not sure. I don’t think the estate is worth more than £250000 so I stand to inherit nothing with everything going to his (ex)wife. I don’t know what to do and could really do with some information

Madam I am married my husband father died long back 3children’s my husband taking care of mother after DAT he went abroad .her sisitervinsted of staying husbands house she is staying with her mother.one sister got married with Hindu guy after 20 years she came home .my husband did some house construction work he given too much money for his house and his mother. now mother and daughters together made case on my husband mother and both sisters need portion from property.now wen my husband came to India mother and sisters not giving trouble to him .locking the main doors.actually his not made any vil .one sisters came after 20 years .and one sisters after marriage she was with her husband in abroad wen she came back from sbraod she told my mother in low very strict I can’t stay in husband house I will stay with my mother my husband told OK now mother and sisters troubling my husband whether my husband have rights in fathers house.we heirs one lawyer .give us some suggestion what we can do please

My uncle died 3years ago and my mum as only found out now about this we looked up his death and found that relatives had to call a solicitor. We did this and she left her name and number we were told we would be contacted ASAP. In the meantime the son of an ex partner as called my mother claiming he thought she was dead and that all the inheritance as been settled. All his siblings including himself live in my uncles houses. My mother then asked about her dad’s possessions and they said we were told not to throw anything and now they have to ask the solicitor if we can have this particular item. It was the solicitor who passed my mums details onto these people. Have these people the right to my uncles property? They claim there was a will but we are yet to hear from the solicitor. Any information would be helpful.

My Brother in law has just been killed in a car accident, he was in a civil partnership and did not have a will, the house was in his name as he purchased this before the civil partnership. Since passing away his partner has been to the house and taken items away and will not let the sister or mother into the house. Is this correct and what if any rights do his mum and sister have?

Hi my brother died aged 49years old,without a will,he was married and had his home enforce be met his wife,he had 2 children to a previous relationship, one of which was living with him when he passed away,he. Had 5 more children, what I want to know are his 2 children intitled to anything,his wife has moved on and had another baby and is engaged ,but still living in the house , the 2 children to his former relationship got nothing of there fathers, the home originally belonged to mother,and my brother bought it of the family when my mum passed away. His wife does not acknowledge the 2 children at all,

My mum passed away in 2013 leaving no will, My step dad won’t allow me or my sister any of our mums belongings…especially family photo albums…can he do this?

The insurance money will go to whoever was named as a beneficiary in the policy. Depending on the terms of the will, the rest of the estate would be split between the spouse and children etc. See this page for more information

My Dad remarried after my mum passed away and his new wife moved in to the house with him and us 4 kids, my dad has now passed away and his new wife has changed the house in to her name, and we are worried she will now leave the house to her kids who have never had any involvement in the house, my dad never had a will as his death was sudden, he thought he still had time to make one. Growing up the discussions we had with dad and step mum were that the house would be left to us (his 4 kids) We are now scared and wondering if there is anything we can do to stop the house being left to the wrong person!x

As step children, you would not automatically inherit and need to discuss this with your step mother.

You were entitled to your share when the estate was first administered. Speak to a solicitor and find out how many years the remaining sum must be kept (usually between 12 and 30 years) before being divided between the two of you.

Hey dad bought a house with his brother in 1957. I was not born at what time. Me & my brother sister come to England with my mum in the 1984-85. My dad really old at that time since being in London my anti keeps tell as your dad sale the house to them but my dad didn’t say anything to as. We was really young didn’t know what was happening & mum she didn’t tell as my dad sales house.now my dad & mum dead. Now older 35 year man. Now trus come out got my dad sale the house.plz help the been lieing to as 25yaer. Plz some Help to got justice.

The usual means of finding a will are via the deceased’s own paperwork, their solicitor (or local solicitors if you do not know whether they had one), their bank or the London Probate Department. (If there is a property, a reasonable sum of money or pensions etc involved then the estate would have gone through probate)

My father in law has died on 1997.he has three sons n three daughter including my husband.for his certain death he could not make any will ..now from so many yrs his properties is belonging to other two brothers n their family without any will where that might b make sure that this part of properties belonging to them..now my mother in law staying with us.so qstion us that is she have any spcl right to handle n take disicions of his husband’s property.n if she want in that case can she make a will in that case???

My mum has just recently suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I am her daughter and tho there may be other family members we have no contact with any of them and haven’t for a very long time (10 years plus). I have lived with my mum for 2 years. I can’t find a will and did a search on the national registry online which came back negative. My problem is I have an older brother that neither of us have seen or spoken to him in over 20 years. My mum didn’t want anything to go to him. She didn’t want him anywhere near our sanctuary. But without a will…how can I make sure her wishes are carried out. I am doing this pretty much on my own and I’m petrified of losing our home because the law doesn’t take into account the fact that the estrangement has been so long, no attempt in contact…I don’t even know where anyone is….. Please- what am I supposed to do? How can I make sure that our home stays this way?

Hi a very long time ago my grandad gave me money to have in my account for myself and my 2 children my grandad passed away 2 weeks ago. He has 3 children who are after that money can they have that money or contest means my grandad didn’t have a will.

No, if it was a gift given to you, why would anyone else have a claim on it?

No, do not automatically sign anything or decide to use this firm especially if they will not tell you the size of the inheritance. Contact HM Treasury Solicitor’s office for the details of the administrator responsible for distributing the estate – they are obliged to consider your claim for free.

My aunt passed away without a will. Her two sisters were living with her and her daughter is trying to put them out so she can sell the house. Is that possible if it wasn’t a will? Or would they have to move? I’m sure there isn’t a will.

Hi my grandmom past away and had no will.but she left a home.her two dauters are still alive.but she said the house was gonna be mine.and I was going to stay with her and my grandpa but thy passe away can I still have the house.

You will have to see a solicitor about this. The usual rules of intestacy state that the estate is shared between the children. Where the one of the children has died, the grandchildren inherit.

Hi, My father passed away recently my oldest sister was executor of the will. We did not get along and hadn’t spoken for a long time,however I was very close to my dad. She would not involve me with anything to do with the funeral or decisions regarding my fathers wishes. My father did not leave a will my sister dealt with everything excluding me from it. Whatever monies were left she shared with my youngest sister and herself totally excluding me. Can she do that, is their anything I can do ?

If he didn’t make a Will, the usual rules of intestacy will apply. If there are surviving children, grandchildren or great grandchildren of the person who died and the estate is valued at more than £250,000, your step-mother-law will inherit all the personal property and belongings plus the first £250,000 of the estate, and half of the remaining estate.

My mom died without leaving a will. My mom didn’t have any kids with my stepdad. He did not legally Adopt my little sis. i now want to be the sole carer of my little sis. Am I legally right to do so? Pls advice

Property was bought by mum, her mum and my stepdad. My mum died intestate 23 years ago, my nan dies 3 years after. My stepfather had all property etc.. and remarried would me and my brother still have a claim to any money in the house should something happen to my step dad?

No it is unlikely that you would…your stepfather is now the property owner and if he dies intestate his estate will go to his spouse and any natural children.

Hi My mum passed away two weeks ago from severe dementia. She remarried to my step dad. They lived in mums house that was bought and paid for by mums divorce to my real dad. I’ve just found out my step dad had made mum sign a deputy ship agreement as she couldnt make any decisions .. i was never informed of this and would never have agreed to it. My step dad says there is a will in which my brother and i will get mums money when he dies, but he wont show me it. Ive contacted their solicitors, and they say they have no will on the system for my mum. Surely someone cant come into my mums life, make her sign everything over to himself without notifying her children, then when she dies as there is probably no will… get everything? That just seems like theft! Any advice would be good please if you can

My mum died and my younger sister has taken over all my mums arrangements for funeral, herr possessions and her bank account, I believe my mum had less that 10.000 pounds but money in the house and jewellery have all gone , how has she been able to do this when there is no will

Check with the probate register to see who was responsible for administering the estate. It’s not necessarily the responsibility of the person who had P.O.A while the deceased was alive.

She shouldn’t have taken any of the possessions from the house until the estate has been through probate. Contact a solicitor for advice.

My mom and dad married very young, and were married for 11 years before I was born. When I was nearly one they bought the house I grew up in, deposit paid for by savings accrued by my mom and dad who both worked full-time. My mom died when I was 4 and my dad re-married when I was nearly 7. He and my step-mother divorced after about 20 years of being married. My step-mother forced the sale of the house and took half of the proceeds, which by then were worth a good sum, and virtually no mortgage. I have one half sibling. He and I want to know whether his mother, my step-mother, should have protected the legacy of my own mother’s investment in the property. Or is it simply that on death all her assets passed to our (now late) father so his second wife became entitled to half? We doubt that my mother left a will as she was only 34 and her death was sudden and unexpected. My step-mother did work small part-time occasional jobs for some of the time but was mostly a stay-at-home wife, so her financial contribution was negligible, whereas my own mother’s original contribution was 50%.

Hi, my husband passed away four years ago. Leaving no will and a insolvant estate. He was married and in the divorce papers the house goes to her. They divorced in 2009 and he never did the transfer. The house is still in both their names. I was the excutor and now they want me to sign the transfer of the house to her name. The house was not part of the estate. Who gets the other half of the house? Do i sign even if it was not in the estate?

You should get a legal professional to look into this as we do not have all the details.

My mother has arranged in her will to leave her money equally between me, my two brothers and my stepfather. Sadly my stepfather died recently. If she leaves the will as it is, when she dies will the money left to my stepfather now go to his children (my step sisters?). Many thanks

If she sold the house to your sister, then it now belongs to your sister and doesn’t form part of your mother’s estate. Any funds, assets (if she bought a different property) etc should be split equally between the five of you.

If you can prove that the separation took place and when, that may help you to contest it, also if you have the draft Will your father wrote, it may be taken account of if it can be verified. Under automatic inheritance (if person dies intestate) rules the surviving married partner will take all of the first £250,000 and plus half of the remainder, the children get half of anything above £250,000.

If a couple dies intestate, their natural children inherit.

My husband died unexpectedly recently although he was Scottish he had lived in England for 35 years and for 23 of them with me. He also died in England, hes left no will and no insurance. Hes left £6,000 and owns a small property in Scotland worth about £80,000 which his father lives in. My father in law is now saying I shouldn’t inherit the property because it comes under Scottish succession law so I need to know if succession law applies when you live and die in England. I was going to apply for probate through the English court.

We don’t have details of who the next of kin was etc. In general ashes will only be released to the funeral director or a named person who has to provide identification. Most crematoria will only keep ashes for 30 days so, it does seem a bit late in the day for auntie to be taking an interest.

This sounds suspicious. Your mother would have had to give permission for any transfers prior to her death. Seek legal advice.

Hello. My mum passed away recently without making a will. My brothers all live in houses which were bought for them by parents. My father passed away almost 10 years ago, abroad. All the property he had abroad, my brothers say was left to them only. We are three sisters and did not get a share of any property abroad. I think the will was altered, but we have no proof. My mother had her own property here in the UK. Now my brothers are saying, she intended to leave that property to her grandchildren. Meaning their children only. She also left a good amount of gold jewellery, they are also claiming, she intended to leave that to their children also. But there is not a will. What are we sisters entitled to. Will they be able to get away with it, as they have done with the huge amount of property abroad. The country in question, is where you can pay money to have anything done.

Hi my sister died 6 months ago of cancer she was only 55 she didnt leave a will her husband died 4yrs ago no children so our dad will get everything the problem is my sister would never want dad to get it he left our mum while she was on oxygen 16 hours a day and not long to live for another woman my sister hated this woman with a passion dads already said he’s leaving everything to this woman dads told us we’re getting nothing from donna,s estate we have asked him to split it equal with all of us but he,s said no can we contest him

Under the usual rules of inheritance, where there is no Will, the estate will be divided equally between you and your remaining siblings. Because your brother has died, his share will go to his two children. Until probate has been granted, nothing should be taken/removed from the estate. Your first step should be to apply for probate (via a solicitor is often the best option). Here is some more infomation about probate. Send a copy of the death certificates to your parents’ bank so that no further money can be withdrawn.

My grandfather died in Scotland in 1962. He left no will but his estate includes a piece of land. The title deeds are still in my grandfathers name and we have recently been approached to sell the land. My mother is one of 4 children,3 of which had children of their own. According to Scots law of 1964 the estate should have been split amongst all 4 children. I can’t find how the law stood in 1962 when he died and a relative is claiming as his father was the eldest son, the entire estate belongs to him. Is this correct? x

My husband passed away over a year now. We had been seperated for 6 years he offered no funancial support. We had joint mortgage which i contined to pay alone and kept up the mortgage protection also. He had three further children to his partner thou they claimed benefits living seperately. I had two children to him. The home is valued 130,000 i cleared 90,000of mortgage owed, from protection Plan which left 40,000 . We had not fully divorced. The mother of the three children has claim family financial assistance as the home went ti me. She claiming half the property 65000 for the children. Is this right and fair.

My boyfriends dad is a widower, and won’t make a will and as my boyfriend still lives with his dad in the family house , what happens if his dad dies ? Will he be homeless and what will happen to the house etc . My boyfriend is 48 , was born there and his mum died 18 ago . Would he inherit automatically or will it go to court ? I worry that as his dad still has many surviving brothers and sisters he would lose his only home ??

As they were not officially married, your father’s estate will naturally pass to his children under the laws of inheritance. You may have to use the services of a solicitor to make sure the correct people inherit. If you think there might be a Will, try his bank, local solicitors, a search of the house etc.

You can contest a Will as a potential beneficiary up to 12 years after the death. Bear in mind however, that after 8 years, it’s likely that all the assets will have been disposed off, so there may be little remaining of the estate.

I’m writing my own will. I own a house but live alone. I also have no children so my direct family members are my parents. I want to leave my entire estate to my parents. Does this makes sense that basically I want everything left to them?: I know this is a legal matter, but I just want to check if it makes sense to someone else: I direct my Executor to divide the residue of my estate to my parents, so and so and so and so of 111 road, town, postcode. Thanks

My brother in law died suddenly last year, he didn’t have a will. He has four children, 7 years ago he gifted two properties to his relatives. Was wondering do his kids have any right over the properties gifted

Hello, I lived with my partner for 11 years in her home the mortage was paid off by her before we met but now that she has passed away her family want to charge me rent can they do this

My nan passed away and didn’t leave a will, my alcoholic mother inherited all assets including a property. This was sold and my mother wanted all money from the proceeds of the sale of the house transferring to my account which I later found out was to enable her to fraudulently claim benefits. She hasn’t cleared off several of my nans outstanding debts and is frittering money away on her alcohol addiction. I have since advised her that I refuse to give her any more of the money as she is acting illegally. She stole from my nan whilst she was acting as her carer and left her in sheer poverty whilst my mum funded her alcoholism. Where do i stand in handing over any more of the money as in the past 8 months she has had 40k and spent the best part down the pub

Hi. My partners father passed away and we are not sure if mothers status for probate in whether house was solely or jointly owned. We need to know the status in order to confirm for declaration for IHT or exempt. The property is unregistered with Land Registry and bank hold original Title Deeds which we need to see either original or a copy to confirm. Can we request this from the mortgage company prior to obtaining probate Grant as it makes a difference on the probate and tax forms depending on her status? Many thanks

If you ahve a copy of the death certificate you should be able to apply for a COPY of the title deeds.

Hi there I need to find out for someone if there dad wife is entitled to his estate even though they have been separated for 7 years and hes left no will

can you please advise me as my mother recently passed away, but hasn’t made a will. she has 7 children including myself. one of my brothers is dealing with her finances. she had some money left over once the funeral and other bills had been paid. what would happen next as one of my brothers is dealing with this. can he keep the money that has been left or is there a law stating he has to distribute the money out. I don’t know what can be done or what I would need to do.

My Mother passed away in New Zealand a year after going to live with my sister. She took my Father’s war diary with her. After her death I asked about the diary and my neice is refusing to let me have it or even borrow it to read. She says my Mother gave it to her to keep. As there was talk of getting it printed I don’t believe that story. I believe she handed it over to get my niece’s husband to put it online as there was talk at the time of getting it printed. If I get a copy of my Mother’s will and it isn’t mentioned have I got a right to a part share of the diary with my sister?

My grandfather passed with his estate passing to my grandmother. My grandmother had a stroke & my aunt was given power of attorney over her estate, after 6 years my grandmother passed away. My mother is estranged from the family & was told there was nothing left of my grandmother’s estate as it was used to pay for the nursing home. I have recently learnt that my aunt & two uncles did indeed receive inheritance from my grandmother’s estate (I do not know the value)…… How have they excluded my mother? Have they broken the law by excluding her? They are all full blood siblings. 9 years have passed since my grandmother’s death, can we do anything to make this fair for my mother?

My dad past away 4 year ago and his wife had everthing and sald that me and my brother had nothing she has remarred 12 mouths ago so where do me and my brother stand with this has i tho blood should allway have

My house is paid off. I have one son does he automaticly inherent the house if I should pass.

I started saving £20 per week 26 years ago my mother started saving this for me because I got into debt with girobank. My mother paid of the debt with girobank I then paid my mother back weekly until the debt was paid, my mother then said did you miss the money you paid weekly I said no she then said carry on paying £20 per week and you will have savings , this I did for over 26 years, mum has now died my money has gone, my sisters are distributing mums money and my savings have gone. I am now 54 have lived with mum all my life, I never married or had children,am I being abused. Mum made a few notes regarding my savings on calenders etc which I have. Please advise me someone.

My mum died without leaving a will. She had no money but she did have a house, which I understand would go to myself and my sister. (My mum was divorced so I don’t think my dad is entitled to the property.). At first I was perfectly fine with the idea I would split the house between myself and my sister but events before and after my mum’s death have made this idea ridiculous. My siste had not spoken to my mum for 6 years before her death. When she became unwell, I contacted her and asked her to visit my mum. She did not visit, but instead earn a horrible reply to me for goodness knows what reason. When my mum died, I invited her to the funeral and she did not attend and did not even acknowledge I had told her. I have heard nothing from her since. I paid all the funeral costs myself and spent a huge amount of money moving closer to my mum when she got unwell. I have gone through so much stress and spent a huge amount of money and uprooted my entire life when my mum got sick. My sister did nothing. I do not now think she should be entitled to anything. What is likely to happen in this situation? Can I contest her right to a share of the property? Thanks for any help on this matter!

My brother has lived with his partner for 7 years in a caravan she bought he is working so contributing to everything she died suddenly she has 2 sons who she hasn’t seen a lot son wants to bring her back to hometown for funeral she didn’t want to come back brother wants funeral were they lived what rights does brother have about caravan and funeral please he is so worried

Depending on the value of the estate the rules are that: The husband, wife or civil partner keeps all the assets (including property), up to £250,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value. The remainder of the estate will be shared as follows:
the husband, wife or civil partner gets an absolute interest in half of the remainder
the other half is then divided equally between the surviving children
If a son or daughter (or other child where the deceased had a parental role) has already died, their children will inherit in their place.

My mother was married to my father when she passed on. My was diagnosed with sychatric problem before my mother dies and undergo treatment at hospital to date. The father at some stage attempt suicide by trying to commit arson in the house. The house burned down and use our shares left by our late mom to revamped the house. Lastly our father met an unknown women whom without our concerns enter into a civil marriage. The second wife is now challenges our father to sell the house with our concern. Can we stop this sale cause our is a patient and not in capacity to can take any decisions. Is the marriage proper. If not how can you assist

My grandfather died when I was a child, my mother is really weak and she let her brothers and sisters literally take everything of her fathers, my older cousin walked off with my grandfathers medals, my uncle constantly claims his father wanted him to have them, I know this was not true, the medals sit in a box, I serve in the armed forces I would like to wear my grandfathers medals on armistice day , I want access to the medals, what rights do I have to the medals there was no will ?

Hi my brother died november 2014,but he was not having a will and no has been nominated for his estate , so the company took the money and gave it to the grandparent of his girlfriend ,my mother was not informed about this ,the just gave that fmily whereas HIS FAMILY IS STILL ALIVE ,MOM,SISTERS,BROTHER, where to start about this . VEAAA

The surviving children inherit before the grandchildren. If the estate is being divided amongst the children it’s up to them to divide the personal possessions eqally among themselves. Was there a reason your mother should have got the medals in preference to her brother? If not, there’s not much you can do about it.

Hi my sister and brothers dad died in may 2016 suddenly , he was married for just 6 months and the widow has completely shut them out of her life will not answer them about his ashes and if there was a will , she says no but surely they are entitled to something he left a lot of money behind it’s really not about the money but she is now with another man setting up a new life after just 5 months of his passing how can that be right? Any information on where they stand would be great

My maternal auntie gave my mum her own jewellery and the jewellery of her deceased daughter to my mum 2 years prior to her own death. She requested my mum to pass this jewellery on to her granddaughter when she is of age. No will was written. Less than 2 months after my aunties death my uncle remarried and now wants all of the jewellery. Does he have any rights?

Hi, my father in law died April 2015, he left everything to my mother in law as no will, she hasn’t paid of any debts in full etc. She won’t make a will either, my husband is a only son, however she does have a brother that she hasn’t spoken too for 25years. My mother in laws Mam has also lived with her for years (the house was hers before) Will the estate when she passes be left to her son or the estranged brother?

My father died recently, he was intestate & owned no property. I have today received correspondence from solicitors acting on behalf of my only sibling (a younger sister) which would seek evidence of Fathers estate at the time of his death. It is alleged that my father had an insurance policy in place to cover funeral expenses after his demise, this is incorrect & the only policy to mature upon fathers death was to provide for less than 50% of the total amount needed to meet funeral directors expenses, the balance of monies has been recovered from a modest sum released to myself by his banker upon the closure of fathers current account. It is further alleged that at the time of my fathers death he had more than one bank account, more specifically an ISA; this is factually also incorrect. Other than the aforementioned insurance policy & balance of cash from my fathers bank account (current), little else of value exists, with fathers effects & house content having been donated to a hospice charity subsequent to my sisters approval & her own removal of certain electrical goods. My fathers remains have yet to be interred, meaning additional costs will therefore be incurred at some point in the near future to facilitate financing the final burial procedure, I would therefore submit that any final closure of my fathers affairs & finances may necessitate a contribution from myself to supplement a projected shortfall of monies currently available from fathers estate. It is demanded by my sisters legal representatives that I respond within fourteen days & supply evidence of my late fathers bank account(s) for the six months prior to his death; of course as there was only one account it is not possible to meet the solicitors demands. I therefore seek your advice concerning this most urgent matter.

I have lived in my mums partners house for 30 plus years, unfortunately my mum’s partner died suddenly in April this year. The house was never signed over to my mum and neither of them had made a will. We all thought the house would automatically go to my mum as they have been together for 40 years living together in my mums house. They both paid for both houses out of a joint bank account. My mums partner has two children and my mum has two children. My mums partners daughter said she thought the house should be put in mum’s name and shared between us all but now she has decided to seek advice and wants the house in her name. Is there anything we can do legally?morally she should do the right thing, it is so worrying.

My grandmother remarried after losing her first husband. After losing her second husband she continued to live with her stepdaughter until she died. She did not leave a will. Her stepdaughter continued to live in my grandmother’s house after she died and I’ve since found out that her step daughter appears to have changed the house into her own name. Is this right? If not what should happen? My grandmother died over 10 years ago.

My father opened an account at Halifax for me when l turned 18/21yrs. In 2012 my father died , his family offered me nothing as his only child. My mam found the bank book my father gave her before separation when l was 1 year old. I went to the bank with ld today 14/11/2016 to be told that in 2014 a family member with his death certificate withdrew all cash saved .. l am devastated ..is there anything l can do . I’m now 22 yrs old.

In 2006 my father passed away. He passed due from an injury at work. I was 12 when this happened im now 22. My grandma was my legal guardian at the time. I was told that my brother an i have an annuity from him passing not sure if it was from workmans comp or not But she will not tell me anything about it or let me even have access to it. For all i know she could be stealing it for herself. I would like to find out more information about this but i dont even know where to start can someone help ?

My mother passed away with no will. There are four siblings. My sister is administrator she has got probate through. I havent been shown anything as to value of estate. She is now saying mother wanted her to have all monies in bank. What can i do? I have asked to seeestate acccounts but she as yet has shown anyone.

My Grandad passed away in 2005 due to a heart attack. He didn’t sign his will and his wife Jenny got everything, including her daughter. My dad, my grandad’s biological son got absolutely nothing, not one penny. Is this how it normally goes? I only found this out last week and I was just wondering if this is normal legal protocol. Jenny had always disliked my father, so is this reason enough to completely disregard him? If this is legal, then our system needs fixed. Awful.

I have just received a letter from an asset remuneration company telling me that my Aunt has passed away leaving no will. To claim my share of the proceeds I must sign a form allowing them 15% of the estate I have done this but have no idea what the value of her estate is, only that she has left a property in London which I imagine is worth quite a lot. Having spoken to the company this week they gave me an estimate of what I will receive, it is ridiculous and wouldn’t buy a shed in London, how do I find out what the estate is really worth and if the company are taking more than they should

My uncle died, he left no will but a letter in 2010 , leaving my children 60’000 .The executor of his estate is someone who I do not know, but a relative as they share the same name.Do my children have the right to the money still?

My mother and my stepfather passed away 11yrs ago without a will my sister and I are the only family she had left

My mom passed 3 yrs ago I have 4 living brothers I live in the house that was my parents were I cared for my mother for 25 yrs till the day she passed I drafted a paper on the computer an printed another form out stating the house belonged to me it was my mothers wishes all my siblings signed form an have me a copy of there id an I had papers notarized for legal purposes what is my next step in putting title of home in my name

My father had money in the bank from 1966 he took out 700.00 in 2005 he died in march 2010 the bank don’t show where the money has gone is it in unclaimed property in Ca i sent in for his money with death certificate and his ss and ID he had no will hope to get his money it should be thousands

Do you mean his Will? Was his new wife still alive when he died?

My brother passed and his girlfriend wants his ashes can she received them over his family (sisters&brother)?.

My mum died recently and left £9,000 in a joint bank account(my younger brother) my older sister and I were told that this was left over from my fathers estate he passed 10 months previously and was to be used to pay for mums funeral expenses. My brother who is on this account says that the money is his and we have no claim to it even though he hasn’t earned a penny in the past 8 years and didn’t contribute to its value. What can we do

You should check this out with a solicitor if there was no formal Will written.

Ok so the father in law is buying us a house we are paying the payments on it and when he dies he said it’s ours, now he has 2 other kids how do we ensure that when he passes that they can’t take the house from us when we are the ones paying for it? Should he put it in his sins name or joint name? And if that’s done can they still get the house?

Yes if you’re making the payments on the house, make sure you have a written agreement and proof of the payments etc. It’s also worth asking your father in law to include details in his Will. He could also add his son’s name as a ”joint tenant’ on the property – that way the property will automatically go to his son if he dies.

Hi, my brother died last year and did not leave a will. The estate is still being tied up. His son is a drug addict and we brothers and sister are not happy with him having everything . He did agree to us having power of attorney over him to help him wind everything up. We know he is not my brother’s blood son as his wife had an affair and he was the result, he is not adopted but his name is on birth certificate as my brother’s son. Can we stop him having everything ?

My dad died last year and he never had a will there is me and my brother plus his wife what will happen to all his stuff will his wife get everything

I just got a call from police that my ex boyfriend has put me as next of kin as he did not talk to his family. He died and I don’t know how to get a hold of his family on the other side of the country… and I don’t know what I need to do now as to dealing with arrangements for the body ect? I haven’t seen him or talked to him in a very long time… help

My father recently died, he was separated from his wife for a number of years and before he died he informed me that he has made a will in which he left most of his assets to me and his grandchildren. The day after he died his estranged wife borrowed the key to his house from a neighbour and changed the door locks denying me access to his property. She now say that the house and his assets belong to her because a will was never found. What do I do?

Do you mean arrangements regarding the funeral?

My father walked out on my mother leaving behind me (1) and my brother (3) he was having an affair and went on to purchase a house with his girlfriend, they never married. This being 35 years ago and we have had little contact with him since. He went on to have two more children with her. They purchased a house together which I believe was transferred to her name solely 30 odd years ago to avoid paying CSA to my mum. The question is, he died on new years day and I am wondering if my brother and I are entitled to any of his estate now or when she dies? I know their children would not want me or my brother to have any share of it and with it being in her name solely does this mean we wouldn’t have any rights at all?

4 weeks ago the police called at my home to notify me they’d found my ‘ StepFathers’ body in his home apparently he’d been there for awhile and was decomposed.As they had no one else the founder police officer asked if I would be named as Next of Kin I agreed because of my mum I also informed them of a blood brother that might be alive.The Coroner was called, he decided an autopsy was needed to find cause of death etc .. his report found that natural causes were the reason.during this time a brother was indeed found but he wanted nothing to do with his dead brother at all.the coroner listed me on his report as next of kin.I don’t know why I was asked as so far I’ve had no involvement the police office in charge refuses to release property siezed to me even though the coroner has agreed ive not been allowed to enter his bungalow even though landlord has been there looking for documents I just don’t know what’s going on

Hi recently my brother has died, my mum has always been his next of kin, he also has two daughters 27 & 25. Can you tell me by law who is his next of kin

This is about my family my mom gave it to me she had now will saying that but the family now’s what she wanted after she past away but there 9 sibling including myself they have to sign papers so I could sell it or can I sell it with out the signature or will I get in trouble for selling it it’s my house

My fiancee of 17 years died last week in prison of an illegal drug. I was listed as his contact person and we have 2 kids. Why did his family get him cremated. They would have never know about his death had I not told them

No if there is no Will and assuming everything was inherited by your nan, then your dad and any other of your nan’s offspring will inherit her estate.

Hi recently my brother has died, my mum has always been his next of kin, he also has two daughters 27 & 25. Can you tell me by law who is his next of kin

There is no real legal definition of “next of kin” in the UK. It’s usually the closest blood relative or spouse. So you would usually name a spouse if you were married, a parent if you were a child and a sibling if you had no grown up children/surviving parents etc. Your brother would probably name his grown up children as next of kin in the absence of his mother.

Hello can somebody help I lost my dad 13 years ago he was all I had in terms of family he was very well off had a company and we was very well of as I grew up no body wanted to talk about the money he left my family on his side gave all his things to charity and every one but me when I ask they don’t talk to me and when I say any thing I get pushed away

In the past 18 months I have lost both of my parents and my brother, there was only two of us, do I get the estate. ?

My father passed away 4 days ago leaving a will with half if his property in my name. My mother owns other half. My dad seperated 5 yrars ago. The property is in tenanants in common on the land register. What should i do now. Should i see a solicitor. The funeral has not taken place yet. It might be a few weeks yet. Can the funneral bd paid directly from the will in my name. Paid from my share of the property (will which names me).

my dad passed away a few years ago and all of his estate went to his then partner (they were not married), at the time I was only young so never really looked into it. Recently I discovered that my dad left no signed will at the time of his passing, should his then partner (of which he was with for about 10 months) been able to claim the estate and not share it out?

My dad died last july an didnt have a will my brother who i trusted at the time took charge of everything .my dads funeral was paid for before his death so what ever was left over i thought would get shared three ways between me an my two brothers we didnt go to probate as we trusted him an now he hasnt shared our inheritance equally we only got a small amout of what was there an he kept the rest.an wont let us see an bank statments or bills that he said hes paid out of dads money .is there anything we can do to get him to hand over what is rightfully ours .

His children will probably be considered next of kin especially if you were not married.

If my brother died without leaving a will and his house is in trust but I’ve been living with him for seven years and I signed papers to be his beneficiary do I get the house Eventhough he died interstate ?

Hi my daughters husband just passed away there .he was only 38 …and there was no will. Now family members are asking her for the jewellery back that they bought him….Is she entilted to give this jewellery back?

My mam has passed away and my step dad, which had left my mam and had been having an affair, but they are still married he is next of kin and they have a mortgage both there names on the mortgage what are my rights with this if any I would like to no if me and my 3 sisters have any rights to anything as he is putting it up for sale ? .

Hi my mom died in 2009, I moved out of family home when I started my own family and my youngest brother also moved out years ago, my middle brother never moved out he worked away all week and only stayed at weekends. A couple of years before mom died she signed the house over to middle brother as she was told it would avoid inheritance tax when she died. We were always told the house would be split between the 3 of us but she never left a will, my middle brother has always spoke of getting our names on the deeds but never got round to it, now he has a new girlfriend who lives with him and doesn’t want to sell the house as was always intended, do I have any right to it as its in his name

hi my father who died 5 years ago had already signed his house over to my brother (who is an alcoholic) around 8 years ago because he didn’t have a house of his own as he has never worked and couldn’t afford one. He would often say he didn’t want the house or money from it and would share it between him, my two sisters and me. my brother lived away and was never around unless he wanted money. When my father died he decided to come back home to look after my mum who has dementia. My mum now has to live in a home because of ill health and my brother could not manage her (mainly because of being under the influence of alcohol). He has now sold the house and all her furniture and moved back away and has gone back on his word and as they say took the money and ran. Is there anyway we can contest this?

my dad died over 30 yrs ago. He left no will so my mum who he was married got the house. About 10 yrs ago my brothers girlfriend threw my mum out and she came to live with me.Another brother put her in sheltered accommodation about 5yrs ago and has control of her finances. meanwhile my other brother who threw her out has put the house in his name and refuses to let my mum sell the house. there are 8 siblings altogether can he just claim the house? he has secured business debts on the house, What can my mum do? She wants the house sold to pay for her to go into a home and give the other siblings some money.

My son passed last February 17th, 2016, his ex wife was driving on a suspended license she rolled the vehicle, my son passed he was in the front passenger seat, and her oldest son passed from another father in the back. My son just came in contact with his father 6: month’s before this accident. After the accident the coroner’s office gave me my son’s personal belongings, I found his father’s number and we set a day and time to meet at the mortuary that I picked, to sign cremation paper’s, my son wanted to be cremated. He got in to San Bernardino to late, so he said that he would spend the night in town, and in the morning her would meet with me. I did not know that he stayed with my son’s exwife, the next morning he did not show up and would not answer my calls or text. I Called for the release date from the coroner’s office, and I was told that my son was already released, and they could not tell me anything else. My son’s dad after making arrangements with me our son’s mother went to court with our son’s exwife, and got a Judgement to take my son form coroner’s behind my back, the judge assumed that they were mother and father. When I became aware of this wonderful news, I filed and went to court when the judge realized that he had ruled incorrectly, he still refused to change his ruling. I have taken this to the higher Court in Riverside CA, the judge and father did nit respond. I’ve been waiting since last February for a decision. I used all of my bereavement time from work in and out of court, I haven’t been able to morn the loss of my son. I never got to see my son after the accident, his grandmother, and aunts, niece’s and nephews, friend, the entire Family never got to see him. I am devastated. Who can help me, what can I do. His father and his exwife Penalty upon perjury on the court, the judge didn’t confirm that who was in front of him was mother and father, because if they were, why on earth would they go to court for a Judgement, all they would have to do is go to the coroner’s office. Please, please help me and my family make this right, and have those that need to be punished, be punished. Thank you for your time. Patricia Mares 909.648.8977

My father died unexpectedly last year leaving no will to his house my sister who I haven’t spoke to in 10years notified me by text message she then organised his funeral in which I had no say in also kept his ashes.sincethen I was told I wasn’t allowed in his house because of probate when I finally was allowed to go in I noticed a lot of his things had been removed she then said I should clear the house as she couldn’t face it which I knew was a lie because of the missing items after I had cleared it out she then said she wanted the key back and was organising estate agents to value and put up for sale she didn’t tell me a thing about where or who was the estate agent months later she let me know by text again that she had a offer and she’s accepting it and would let me know ever since my father passed away she hasn’t let me no know anything well now she’s saying it is saying his house is unregistereid with land registry as when he bought his home it wasn’t compulsory so it’s going to take longer where do I legally stand with all this I know she’s lying even down to his funeral he had life insurance and had done for years but his funeral was just cheap he had pension and he a a healthy bank account I haven’t seen any of this I’m just going round in circles and it’s even harder knowing she’s a bare faced liar please can anyone advice what I should do next

My sister passed away last week not leaving a will .she has 2 boys from a first marriage. Her husband is closing all the accounts with her name on them including the house. They have no mortgage on the house and a large amount of investments pensions ect . He is off to Australia in 2 week’s and we don’t know if he is planning on coming back to the UK. What if anything can I do for my nephews.

If there is no Will and the property and assets are valued at more than £250,000, the rules of inheritance state that her husband will keep all the assets (including property), up to the value of £250,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value. The remainder of the estate will be shared as follows: the husband, wife or civil partner gets an absolute interest in half of the remainder the other half is then divided equally between the surviving children. You may need to seek legal advice if you feel the husband has not gone through the probate procedure etc.

My dad died and left no will. All I was told that my dad had nothing in bank and the flat he owned the half share was left to his unmarried partner who holds the other half share. I wasn’t shown any bank statements or bills or receipts regarding spending or my dads belongings. How can I know if my brother is really honest to me so he didn’t steal anything?

My mum died in 1997 and I’ve recently found out my sister and possibly our brother claimed our mum’s life insurance and kept it for them selves. There was no will and no probate. Our mothers insurance should have been shared between 3 siblings and our late brothers two daughters. Is it possible to get my fare share?

My was married before and have one child ,and his wife was passed away and get married again then also the wife was passed away now he passed away and he was stayed with other wife married customary married and left the son with me I’m the sister so my point is it is possible to bury my brother at my place of birth next to his parents also the son has right to claim that his father must be buried at his place of birth not in the third wife’s place pls help

Yes the normal inheritance rules state that the spouse keeps all the assets (including property), up to £250,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value. The remainder of the estate will be shared as follows: the husband, wife or civil partner gets an absolute interest in half of the remainder and the other half is then divided equally between the surviving children. As you are not the children of your mother’s new partner obviously this will not relate to you. You mother might want to think about writing a Will if she wants to protect any of what you consider to be your inheritance.

Hi My Dad has recently died without leaving a will. He has a surviving wife. The family home is in my Dad’s name only. I have read that the value of the house, all its contents and the car will automatically go to my mum, and the value of those items will be exempt from inheritance tax. Please would you tell me whether this is correct. Thank you

If there is no Will and the estate is worth more than £250,000 – the property and possessions are split as follows:
His wife keeps all the assets (including property), up to £250,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value.
The remainder of the estate will be shared as follows:
His wife has an absolute interest in half of the remainder
The other half is then divided equally between his surviving children
The current IHT threshold is £325,000

Was there a spouse or any surviving children?

My dad died in January, I found out that he had another family and me and my sister had two more younger sisters, I’m The eldest of all. He lived with the mother but was not married to her they shared a mortgage and has said that he died leaving no money, but I don’t believe her do I have any rights as his oldest daughter.

hi, my mum passed away recently and left no will. Her husband died 5 years ago without a will. My mum carried on living in the house with my half brother and she was paying the mortgage until she passed. she wanted me and my half brother to have the house. Now my stepdad had 4 kids in total including my half brother. We have just found out the land is still in my stepdads name. We have been told because of this 50% of the house will be split between me and my brother and the other half would be split between my half brother and his 3 siblings. this is against my stepdas wishes and my late mothers. Thanks in advance

My father died 8yrs ago, leaving no will. He was divorced from my mother and went on to have a child with. He had 3children in his marriage with my mother. When he died, my half sister signed everything at the hospital and my brother and I were told by hops, that our half sister put herself down as next of kin. We are all a lot older than her and did not get a voice. We don’t know if he had any money, or who closed his account at bank where his old age pension was paid. We were given none of his belongings etc. And his ashes were scattered without us being informed. Even after 8years this still sits badly with us.!!! Is it to late for us to find out what happened,

Sorry did he go on to marry and have further children after his divorce…did he remarry. It’s not at all clear from your comment.

My mother died and then my stepdad died but all the 100 grand that was left my sibling decided to keep to herself and not share. She said a will was left saying she was to get it all but not will was ever seen by anyone. She said she didn’t have to share can I do anything about this.

My mum passed suddenly on the 8th Sept (3 weeks ago)she has told all us five children thee was a will but my stepdad insists there is not,her life insurance covered the funeral costs with money left over which should of gone to us,at the time of death they didn’t live together but my stepdad is now in her house using money from her purse to fund his living style,how can we find out if there was a will and make sure that we can get something to remember her by?the money is irrelevant to us we would just like a thing or two of her things for memories

Question: if my partner dies (we have lived together for 3.5yrs) do his grown up children from his first marriage have a claim on my house? The house is in my sole name and would be mortgage free (as covered by insurance). He has paid for new kitchen and bathroom. Are they entitled to half of all we have, including the house? Thank you

Our Dad sadly passed away in September. He left no will but was always clear how he wanted his estate divided. This was never in writing. There’s 4 of us children. He wanted all 4 to have an equal share. All 4 of us agree. I’m the eldest & next of kin. My 3 siblings have agreed for me to deal with Dad’s estate as he wished. I have never had to deal with this. What’s my first course of action please. Our Mum passed a few years back & the estate is less than the inheritance tax level. Thank you in advance.

As there is no Will you will have to go probate. First you need to apply to the court for a grant of representation. Your can do this yourself or ask a solicitor to help. Once you’ve completed the probate application form (you can find it here here , you then have to set about establishing the value of the assets, such as money from the sale of the house, in bank accounts, insurance policies, savings accounts etc. You then need to pay any debts (outstanding bills etc). Once you’ve done that you can divide and distribute the estate equally between you and your siblings.

As one of the children, she is entitled to an equal share of the property. Did you father not have life insurance to cover the mortgage payments? This is often a condition that mortgage providers will stipulate. If you didn’t want your sister to have an equal share of the property, you would need to apply to the courts with evidence of the monies you have paid if you want a larger share of the inheritance.

QUESTION – My sister sadly died in April this year., and did not leave a will. She did not have children nor a partner. My mother has survived her. I will take the emotions out of this as a result of one of her sister’s unacceptable behaviour during my sister’s illness and after her death.. We initially gained access to the property when we found out that that sister was not stayng at the property. What we saw was shocking as the house had been turned upside down and the only places that you could walk through were the toilet and bathroom. However, the next day she had the locks changed, after, we believe, being tipped off by a neighbour of my late sister. That sister, who was my late sister’s next of kin during her treatment at the hospital states that states will be residing at my late sister’s house and will not leave until she sells her own home. (When I last passed her house there was no “for sale” sign at the property.). She claims she has been living with my sister since November 2015 and became her fulltime carer in April 2016. Please note that my late sister became ill on Boxing Day 2015, whilst visiting that sister’s house. Do we have a right to gain possession of the property and securing it, without having to go through the courts?’ Both my late sister’s house and that sister’s house are free of mortgage. Regards

My mum died in didn’t speak to her for a year before she died in don’t know off she made a will as my sister had fallen out with me years before my sister got everything and I wasn’t told anything I am really angry but there’s nothing I can do as she died about 7 years ago

Hi Sarah, if the money is in the bank then you can trace what was in and what when out!? Probably best asking your brother this question. But why don’t you want him to know your asking?

@Rae. If you fall out with your parent and sister, why would you expect to be left anything in a Will?!

If there is no Will, the grandchild(ren) will receive the inheritance if the child has already died.

If there are no children or parents, the estate naturally goes to siblings of the deceased. If the siblings have already died, the offspring of the siblings inherit in their place.

I’m not sure Debs13’s question was answered. I think she wants to know if her partner’s adult children will have a claim on the house that is in her name if he dies not if he has a claim on the house if she dies.

My husband has passed without making a will and while we shared joint bank accounts his cars (4) were all in his name. Is there anyway I can sell Hesse a sap as all the mots etc runs out at the end December?

I have been paying back 7 different debt companies £1 month for years as I got myself in to trouble with a bad investment in 2008. My father has passed away and he has left a decent inheritance but once i pay off my mortgage it will leave me a bit. I want to pay off the debt i owe but wont have enough to pay full amounts off, but also after years of stress ( ive not had a holiday for 10 years)would like to have money to have a better life. I know that this is what my dad would have wanted after all the years he saved for his kids. I miss him every day and want him to be proud. Any advice of best thing to do

My dad who was a loner was diagnosed with dementia 1 1/2 years ago, my sister who didn’t talk to him for years quickly took over POA knowing he’s worth over 500.000 and didn’t tell me or let me help him, she put him in a nurcing home and his house wasn’t livible, she then fixed up the house and wouldn’t let me help when I asked about then I was shocked a year later finding out she was living there with her daughter, my sister and I are the only next of kin, he passed 4 month ago and I been super depressed about all of this, what can I do? I am selfed imployed and only have enough to pay my monthly bills, can’t believe she would be so greedy.

Unless your ex has written a Will to the contrary, most of his estate will automatically go to a spouse (has to be a marriage), if there is no spouse the estate is divided between his natural children.

My great aunt sadly passed away recently and she hasn’t left a will my mother is her niece . She invested money and it’s well over £30,000, also all her valuable items in the house. My mother was the only one that cared for her and always went to see her. Suddenly now that she’s passed her nephew wants to take over and has raided her house for everything. Jewellery, ornaments. He’s demanded that anything we took from the house for safe keeping as a key was left in a lockbox and a lot of people know the code, he’s demanded that it be returned or he’s phoning the police. We also found out that when my aunt was alive his wife took her wedding and engagement rings and caused her stress, she was suffering from Alzheimer’s also which made things worse. He’s walked away from the house and left a neighbor to clear out the house as it’s rented and it has to be cleared in 2 weeks. We’re terrified that he’s going to sell everything as we don’t know everything he’s taken and he lives 3 hours away from us so we can’t pick things that we want to keep even if he gives us a choice, it’s causing my mum so much stress that it’s making her sick. I’m trying to figure out as much as I can do I can go down the legal rout so that nothing gets sold that we want to keep in the family as it’s of sentimental value

When your mother died – if there was no Will and the value of the estate was worth more than £250,000 – your father would have kept all the assets (including property), up to that value (£250,000), and all the personal possessions, whatever their value. He would also have received half the the remainder of the estate and the half of the remainder would be shared equally between the children. If the estate had been worth less than £250,000 your father would have received it all and you wouldn’t be entitled to anything.

Childrens dad just passed away they have a step mum all there dads assets are soley in his name bank accounts the house is car and caravan are all in his name none are joint with his wife were do my children stand

If a child dies any property or possessions will usually go to the parents unless other beneficiaries are named on trusts etc. You should check this with a solicitor.

If the estate is worth more than £250,000, his wife will inherit £250,000 value from the estate plus all personal possessions (regardless of value). The remainder of the estate (over £250,000 value) will then be split as 50% to the wife and 50% divided between the surviving biological children. If there is a Will, obviously this will not apply.

My parents never left a will but they but me on the deeds of the house as I was the one who stayed and looked after them. My sisters were very annoyed about this. I haven’t seen them for years. I’ve found out out they needn’t have worried As I now gather I have no claim on the house. My health is failing and I gather I cannot release equity. Take out a mortgage or sell the place on. I am desperate to sell and if the selling pry is split,,, 3, ways I will not be able to afford another place to live.

My dad passed away with no will. I have conflicting views with my dads other daughter (my half sister) who is selling his property such as mobility scooter, shed, and sorting through his things and using his bank card. She refuses to equally split anything left. How do I claim my share of what he has left. She is the oldest living child.

If there is no Will, usually an estate will have to go throuhg probate before any assets can be divided. Seek help from a solicitor.

Father passed away two years ago leaving no will. My mother passed away three months ago not having signed a will. My brother took out Grant of Representation and has started to transfer money from our father and mothers accounts and shares into his account and name. He has also applied to get the deeds from the bank of their freehold property. Can he just change the name of the deeds into his without my sister or my consent? Should I be making myself known as having an interest to and being an equal inheritor under the rules of intestacy to any governing body? Feel helpless, as to whether to confront him or get s solicitor involved. Any advice appreciated.

Speak to your brother first, ask if you can be added as a signatory on the accounts etc. This will establish whether he’s simply doing what he thinks best in order to settle the estate, divide the assets etc. If you’re unsure, speak to a solicitor.

My aunt died a spinster (never married, no children, no surviving parents). She has one surviving brother,her other brothers and sisters have died. Her estate is about 100k. Does the surviving brother get everything or is the estate shared equally between the surviving brother and the nieces and nephews of the other brothers and sisters? I can’t seem to find a definitive answer. Any help much appreciated

My grandfathers second wife died intestate, she never had children my mother was only child of grandfather. My sister and I are only living relatives to my grandfather. Can my sister and I claim on granddad second wife’s estate?

my grandmother passed leaving me a small amount of money i recently found out she had 3 life insurance policies and my aunt who knew took all the documents after her death giving us all a small about added up to just over 5000 between 5 of us now 6 months later she buys a new house and her son a new car, i just found out today that my gran had these life insurance policies and the money that was paid to us was by cheque from my aunt account she said she was instructed to give us this not mentioning the life insurance which at least one policy was 50 000 pounds what can i do im not concerned about the money at this point i just wanna know what happened for the sake of closure and that my grans last wishes were what they were.

How do you know your aunt was not the beneficiary on the life insurance policies?

My sons father died many years ago. He had a half sister (same mum different dad). This making her my sons aunt. She is now a widow. Her and her late husband never had any children. So the only blood relative she has is my son, her nephew. But there is a surviving brother in law. If she dies whilst my son and her brother in law are alive, and hasn’t made a will, who inherits her estate, which roughly would be about £200.000. Also out of curiosity, is there such a term as half nephew and is that what my son would be classed as. I have never heard the term before.

You’d have to check with a legal professional but we think that if there are no other blood relatives an estate can pass to the children of a half blood sibling.

My mum has passed, there are 3 children, no will. We are unable to get hold of my older brother. Last known he was living rough in London and using various substances and suffering with severe mental health issues. Our mum has very little to leave but how do we include my brother when we have no contact for him? Where do we stand? Also concerned that even a couple of hundred pounds inheritence could potentially kill him.

My brother has died interstate, it was unexpected. His legal heir is his only daughter who along with her mother pushed him out the family home. He lived with us on and off and had lots of money from my mother for rent and debts. Is there any way i can get some of that money back. It mounted to £10,000. As he was ill it was me that cared for the last years and it seems so unfair that his daughter who wanted nothing to do with him should inherit. He told the GP that i was next of kin. Also it was me who arranged the funeral and cleaned out his flat.

If the deceased has no living: spouse; civil partner; children; grandchildren; parents; brothers or sisters; half brothers and sisters; grandparents; aunts and uncles or half aunts and uncles; nephew/nieces or cousins, then yes, the estate will all pass to the Crown.

My father in law has died and has left no will for his council property do you still need a probate to clear the flat also he has property in Spain but has left a will for that does both property come under one inheritance tax