Proof when dying intestate?

feddyfan242

My elderly aunt received about £900 after a relative of her's died intestate.

My aunt is convinced that the sum should be greater than this, based on the impression her relative gave when he was alive.

Is there a way of finding out how much was left, taking into account her relative died intestate, and can we find out if the person dealing with the finances is being honest?

My aunt knows that £900 is a lot of money but my relative always gave the impression that he had a lot. She doesn't need the money - I just want to ensure that the person dealing with the finances isn't being dishonest.

Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated!

Only serious replies please.

daska

There are strict rules as to how estates are distributed when someone dies intestate. What you could do is work out how many family members there are (and were!) and extrapolate from her £900 what the estate would have been after funeral expenses, debts and other liabilities such as probate fees, solicitor's expenses etc.

You can also search to see if the person handling the estate actually applied for Letters of Administration and your Aunt 'should' have been provided with a copy of the estate accounts. (I say should because I'm not actually sure whether this is a legal requirement or just best practice.)

blossomhill_2

Probate documents are public record and will say the value of the estate