no will left, but wishes were known

julie03

my nan has died recently and before christmas she told me what she wanted to happen to her money, this is not a huge amount of money, below £20,000 (i think) this money was in three bank accounts she wanted her son to have 1 and her 2 eldest grandchildren to have the other 2

her son is my uncle, and her other son is my dad now deceased. i dont really know my uncle that well and dont feel able to approach him. does he apply for probate and is there any way i can find out if and when it is granted.

i only want to approach him if he doesnt do what she wanted.

thanks for any advice

Mojisola

As she didn't leave a will, her money will have to be divided according to the intestacy rules, in the case - https://www.hmrc.gov.uk/CTO/customerguide/page14-5.htm

Assuming there were only the two sons, your uncle will have half of the money and you and any siblings will inherit your father's share.

monkeyspanner

As mojisola says there are intestacy rules which cover this situation, and those rules may not match the deceased wishes. Hence the need to make a will if you want your wishes followed.

Someone will have to apply to the probate office to administer the estate (normally a close relative) and it will be their responsibility to clear any outstanding debts and distribute the proceeds of the estate.

Yes you will be able to find out when probate has been granted by applying at any probate office. The declared amount on the probate may not be precise as in this case there is no IHT to pay and the probate office/Inland Revenue do not need exact figures. There is a section on the probate form where details of surviving relatives have to be declared so the probate office should be aware of the situation.

dzug1

The estate CAN be distributed as she wished - but only if all the parties adversely affected agree and are over 18

It's done by a deed of variation - or more informally, just by gifts as necessary.