Bequests from Canada

woodknowe

I hope I have added this to the correct forum. We have been contacted by an executor for someone who has died recently in Canada (BC) stating that we have been remembered in her will. We were written to and asked to provide details of how we knew the deceased, as well as our email and telephone contacts. Since we already knew that the person had died recently, we have treated this as a genuine request and provided the details requested. Is it acceptable to ask what we have been left, and what sort of time scale is likely for all this to be settled? Does this being in Canada cause any further complications?
Many thanks if anyone can advise.

marisco_2

Sorry for the loss of someone you knew. I think it is reasonable to enquire about what you have been left. I cannot advise re timescales or any additional complications that may occur due to this happening abroad. Hopefully someone will be along shortly who can explain that side of things in some detail.

troubleinparadise

It is probably reasonable, but does it really matter what the bequest might be?

Its probably best not to get your hopes up too much, it might just be a tea-set or a piece of jewellery, unless for some reason you think that you might be clearly in line for a life-changing amount....

But what a nice thought to wake up to in the morning!

meritaten

while this may be on the level and its ok to give email address and tel no...........be very wary if this executor wants bank account details.
in fact ask for the name and address of the Lawyer dealing with the will and check that you are in fact beneficiaries BEFORE giving any more info.

I would advise extreme caution here as you do not know the usual manner of executing someones will in Canada.

ViolaLass

troubleinparadise wrote: »

It is probably reasonable, but does it really matter what the bequest might be?

Its probably best not to get your hopes up too much, it might just be a tea-set or a piece of jewellery, unless for some reason you think that you might be clearly in line for a life-changing amount....

I'd want to know precisely so that I didn't get my hopes up. It happened to me recently - once I'd sat on the excitement and speculated for a couple of weeks, I just asked!

woodknowe

Many thanks for all your responses - I will contact the executor by phone and ask for Lawyer details and clarification of what happens now (as well as details of what I have been left).