How to find out whats going on in will

lizeratsi

My husbands Grandfather passed away nearly two years ago, the estate would have been about 700,00 ( from house sale).

Two aunts and my husbands Father were the children and about 8 grandchildren including my husband.

The Grandfather had dementia and one aunt became power of attorny over the will. Whilst the grandfather was alive ( but with dementia) some money ( a small amount, maybe 500) was given to my husband via his father for our morgtage. This was not discussed with my husband.

Since then as far as I am aware my husband had not received anything else. We have no idea what was in the will. My husband is mostly estranged from his family and is very passive with them, and would not ask them whats going on. It is simply NOT an option to ask.

Is there a way I can find out whats going on without them knowing.

I am sure the Aunt is above board and everything but I would really like to know whats going on and whether to expect some money or not. Many thanks.,

Mojisola

lizeratsi wrote: »

The Grandfather had dementia and one aunt became power of attorny over the will. Whilst the grandfather was alive ( but with dementia) some money ( a small amount, maybe 500) was given to my husband via his father for our morgtage. This was not discussed with my husband.

The Aunt may have had power of attorney over her father's affairs while he was alive but those powers stopped when he died.

If she was named as executor in the will, then she would be sorting out his affairs.

A will becomes a public document once probate is granted - buy a copy from https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

Amended: See Tony's post further down for the correct website.

lizeratsi

Yes she will probably be exectutor. If I buy a copy can the exectutors know I have done this. I do not want in any shape or form for them to konw.

lizeratsi

Do you know per chance how long probate can take? would it be normal to take nearly two years?

Mojisola

lizeratsi wrote: »

Yes she will probably be exectutor. If I buy a copy can the exectutors know I have done this. I do not want in any shape or form for them to konw.

No. It comes from the GRO, the executor/s won't know unless you tell them.

lizeratsi

Thank you so much, Mojisola.

Sorry to bombard you, do you know at all if it is usual for a will to take this long? What would normally happen? ie It goes through probate then if my husband is due anything it would just be sent in the post?

Mojisola

lizeratsi wrote: »

Sorry to bombard you, do you know at all if it is usual for a will to take this long? What would normally happen? ie It goes through probate then if my husband is due anything it would just be sent in the post?

It depends on how complicated the estate is and, to some extent, on how quickly the executors deal with the paperwork. If there is property to be sold, it can take a long time.

Beneficiaries are normally notified that they are mentioned in the will and then later contacted when things are finalised and a cheque is sent.

I wouldn't be very optimistic that your OH has anything coming his way if he hasn't heard by now. Buy the will and see what it says.

lizeratsi

Thanks. I know the house was sold a few years ago, before he died so they wouldnt be waiting for that.

I have a feeling the aunts and my husbands father have been the beneficaries and decided between them what to give to my husband. Mnay thanks. xxxxxxx

Mojisola

lizeratsi wrote: »

I have a feeling the aunts and my husbands father have been the beneficaries and decided between them what to give to my husband. Mnay thanks. xxxxxxx

If they were the beneficiaries, the money was theirs.

They don't have to give any of it to anyone else.

lizeratsi

Yes, I would be surprised if the Grandchildren were left out, but this is probably what happened.

I am going to get a copy of the will and pray that it is confidential! Thanks for your help.

Mojisola

lizeratsi wrote: »

I am going to get a copy of the will and pray that it is confidential! Thanks for your help.

No need to pray. You can buy a copy of anyone's birth, marriage and death certificate and will - no-one else will be told what you've bought.