Signing off receipt of inheritance

jemball

I have recently received some money from the estate of a relative. The solicitor's letter asked me to sign that I had received the cheque (on a copy of the accounts). However, the page I was asked to sign stated:

'Having examined the forgoing accounts I am satisfied as to their correctness and HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have received the sum of £#### in full and final settlement of my entitlement in the estate of the said deceased.'
(the capital letters were actually in the statement)

I don't see how I can sign for the 'correctness' of the accounts as I was not an executor, only a beneficiary. And if this is true then I should not sign the 'full and final settlement' part. Surely it's up to the executors to confirm these things and not myself? Seems to me that the solicitor is up to something?

Any comment would be very helpful.

**confuzzled**

I'm not 100% sure but I think you are entitled to look at the breakdown on the money left by the deceased. This is what my MIL, who does everything by the book, did recently as she was petrified of anyone accusing her of fiddling her Dads money(bless her:)) and I know she's shown every beneficiary the breakdown of her fathers accounts from the day he died.(did I mention she was paranoid!;)) before she allowed them to sign the receipt.
It can't hurt to ask to see the accounts anyway:) HTH and I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be able to help you better:)

floss2

I would ring up the solicitors, ask for a copy of the will & estate accounts, and tell them you will send a letter to acknowledge receipt of the cheque.

Then check that you have all you should have received, and if you have then you can write to acknowledge that. If you are unsure, ask the solicitors for clarification.

jemball

Thanks floss2. I've got all the information (client letter, will, accounts) but how on earth can I confirm that each solicitor actually spent the hours stated. They might as well simply ask me to sign that I totally trust them! (not that I do!)

DVardysShadow

jemball wrote: »

Thanks floss2. I've got all the information (client letter, will, accounts) but how on earth can I confirm that each solicitor actually spent the hours stated. They might as well simply ask me to sign that I totally trust them! (not that I do!)

2 options. Sign for receipt of amount and strike everything else out. Or sign receipt and for for accounts and add an exception for naything you don't necessarily agree with - eg

'Having examined the forgoing accounts I am satisfied as to their correctness with the exception of the solicitors fee :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: and HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have received the sum of £#### [STRIKE]in full and final settlement of my entitlement in[/STRIKE] from the estate of the said deceased.'

jemball

DVardysShadow wrote: »

2 options. Sign for receipt of amount and strike everything else out. Or sign receipt and for for accounts and add an exception for naything you don't necessarily agree with - eg

'Having examined the forgoing accounts I am satisfied as to their correctness with the exception of the solicitors fee :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: and HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have received the sum of £#### [STRIKE]in full and final settlement of my entitlement in[/STRIKE] from the estate of the said deceased.'

I've already sent a simple letter which acknowledged receipt of the cheque. However I do wonder if I have a legal obligation to sign such a declaration. I suspect not