We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

What happens if a beneficiary to a will dies?

Options
My Grandmother passed away last week. My Mum was named as a beneficiary of the will along with her two brothers, each having an equal share. My Mum passed away in March leaving myself as her only surviving child. My sister died last year but has two children. My Grandmother did not change her will following the death of my Mum. I understand from the executor that my Mothers share passes to her children but, my question is as my sister is deceased will her share automatically go to her children being my Grandmothers Great Grandchildren?
«134

Comments

  • RAS
    RAS Posts: 35,406 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Does the will specify what will happen?
    If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing
  • No it doesn't
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sunders18 wrote: »
    I understand from the executor that my Mothers share passes to her children but, my question is as my sister is deceased will her share automatically go to her children being my Grandmothers Great Grandchildren?

    Are any of the beneficiaries suggesting that the children shouldn't have their mother's share?
  • Yes they are
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sunders18 wrote: »
    Yes they are

    That's rotten. I think the money passes down with the blood line.

    It will be a shame if everyone's share of the estate is reduced by a legal challenge by some of the beneficiaries.
  • Its not an insignificant amount that will be in the estate and I think some people just get greedy. Times like this can bring out the worst in people.
    Thank you for your advice Mojisola and hopefully it will get passed down the blood line.
  • rpc
    rpc Posts: 2,353 Forumite
    It depends very much on the wording. Are you able to post the clause with the bequest to your mother and any clause that covers the residue?

    It is also possible that there is a partial intestacy and the share that was allocated to your mother will be distributed under intestacy rules.

    Are you in England/Wales or Scotland? The rules are quite different.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I hope it can be resolved amicably - many deceased people would be horrified at the fights that start when there's money in the air.
  • rpc, I wont get to see the will until next week (I live in Essex and my family are all in Newcastle). The executor, who has a copy of the will but is unsure as to its interpretation, told me yesterday of a possible challenge.
  • Fire_Fox
    Fire_Fox Posts: 26,026 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Welcome to MSE. :) The executor should get legal advice on the specific wording charged to the estate, not the opinion of unqualified people on a forum. An executor has a legal responsibility to ensure the money is distributed correctly, if they make any mistakes and are challenged the money can come out of their own pocket!
    Declutterbug-in-progress.⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 256.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.