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Beneficiary of Will

I've received a letter telling me that I am a beneficiary in the Will of a late relative. of course I am delighted.

I've been told that a cheque will be sent as soon as probate has been granted and although I realise this could take a while, her affairs would have been immaculate and everything would be in order; this was the way she lived her life.

The estate will be large and number of beneficiaries quite small so for me, there is life changing potential here. However, is it rude to ask how much I'm likely to be getting?

I'm aware that the Executor may not know until the house is sold, etc. but I can hardly contain myself with excitement. I'll be pleased if it's a small amount of course, and very grateful. Could I email the Executor to ask or is that downright rude?
Do not allow the risk of failure to stop you trying!
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Comments

  • lil_me
    lil_me Posts: 13,186 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I wouldn't ask if the Executor is a close relative. If it depends on the sale of an estate then they wouldn't know anyway. I would wait.
    One day I might be more organised...........:confused:
    GC: £200
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  • It would be really difficult to estimate how much you may get. If there is alot of money then there will be 40% inheritance tax, minus funeral costs, minus outstanding bills or payments, house sale fees, solicitor costs, probate charges. I am helping my mother in law who is the executor of a will and it is mindboggling stuff!!!

    I would suggest you do not ask the executor especially if it was a close relative of the recent deceased. As it is a total surprise to you then I would allow the amount of money you receive to be a total surprise too.
  • Lillibet_2
    Lillibet_2 Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Remember you may not have been left a portion of the "estate" but a small gesture, such as a peice of jewellery, painting or furniture.
    I personally would have no problem in contacting the executor and asking, they will be able to tell you the percentage of the estate or item(s) if not the actual figure. This is part of their job and what they are there to do so they should not be doing the job if they are so disturbed by the death that they are unable to do it properly. Of course, ask tactfully, prehaps in a letter saying you appreciate all the work they are doing at this stage and would appreciate any further information they can give you as to the bequest.

    HTH;)
    Post Natal Depression is the worst part of giving birth:p

    In England we have Mothering Sunday & Father Christmas, Mothers day & Santa Clause are American merchandising tricks:mad: Demonstrate pride in your heirtage by getting it right please people!
  • Firefly
    Firefly Posts: 3,024 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    The executor has asked for my details so that a cheque can be sent in the future hence I know it isn't furniture, etc.

    The death wasn't sudden but the next stage of a long and happy life; the Executor is a friend of the deceased and a thoroughly nice chap.

    Three responses saying different things! Hmm; still don't know what to do! My gut feeling is that I should wait but given that my financial situation is 'tight' (and the deceased knew that) there is now the potential for change.
    Do not allow the risk of failure to stop you trying!
  • iceicebaby
    iceicebaby Posts: 3,633 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I would ask the amount but I would also ask if there was anything you could do to help the executor too. Would be a nice gesture on your part
    Baby Ice arrived 17th April 2011. Tired.com! :j
  • We went through the same last year and were desperate to know but decided to just wait and see as alot of people told us it was ' bad manners' and 'disrespectful' to ask questions about 'how much am I getting?'.

    In the end, it took months to all be sorted out so I doubt that even if you did ask they would be unable to give you a figure anyway. Possibly you might be told, for example, its a sixth of a several bank accounts (which it was in our case) but still not know the amount until everything is finalised.

    My advice would be to try and put it to the back of your mind (easier than said, I know!) and wait for the surprise cheque.

    Good luck! x
  • Firefly
    Firefly Posts: 3,024 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Firstly I'm completely satisfied that probate could take some months to sort. I'm still not sure if the house is sold before or after probate is granted.

    Secondly I'm still erring on the side of it being impolite to ask how much.

    However .... I've got some building work about to be started and IF I'd got more money I'd have it done completely differently. I'm not sure whether to put it on hold as I'd not want to 'spoil the ship for a h'porth of tar' as my mum would say. Then again ..... oooh I don't know!! September Baby I simply can't put it to the back of my mind. It's occupying every waking moment currently!

    I've offered to help in any way I can already.
    Do not allow the risk of failure to stop you trying!
  • tanith
    tanith Posts: 8,091 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    If you can put off your building work and it not cause too much disruption then go ahead but also think how will you feel if the amount you eventually get makes not a ha'porth of difference to your building plans.... only you can decide... for myself I would be worried about how it were perceived asking 'how much' but my OH always I worry too much what others think.... if it doesn't bother you go for it......
    #6 of the SKI-ers Club :j

    "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke
  • Spendless
    Spendless Posts: 24,803 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Lillibet wrote: »
    ask tactfully, prehaps in a letter saying you appreciate all the work they are doing at this stage and would appreciate any further information they can give you as to the bequest.

    HTH;)
    I like this suggestion.
  • MJMum
    MJMum Posts: 580 Forumite

    Don't see the point anymore in offering advice to people who only want to be agreed with...
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