Bereavement of sole parent - U18 child

sjet926

Hi


Unfortunately my sister-in-law has just passed after a very short illness. She has a 17 yr old daughter who wishes to remain in her property (owned). She is currently in Full time education.


Unfortunately the house is the only estate. No life policies, insurance, cash etc. However, there are however, significant debts against the deceased.


I am now in position of funding the funeral (as I work full time) and being chased for her debts. The daughter wants to remain in the property but I cannot afford to run another house!

The DWP have basically said as my wife is NOK we have to pay for everything but may get a small amount of child benefit (will wont even cover the water rates).


Any advice appreciated as I now find myself in debt paying for these costs. Thanks

pmlindyloo

Was there a will?

sjet926

Hi


One was filled out on the actual deathbed. I think my wife may be the guardian (it just happened so fast (literally within hours)

Newly_retired

No idea of your circumstances but is it possible for you to move into SIL's house for a couple of years or more, whilst daughter finishes her education, and rent yours out?
All depends on what the will says.

sjet926

Hi


Afraid that's not possible as I work away in the forces. Thought about renting out the SIL's house but the daughter understandably doesn't wish to move. Seem's if your working the Government thinks you do not need any assistance and have buckets of spare cash. Thanks anyway

duchy

I'd stop and take breath for now.
If this only happened within hours then everything will need to wait.

You are not liable for your SIL's debts- her estate is. Those debts need to be cleared and that may mean selling the house -or you purchasing a part share for now -or her daughter may once the dust has settled not want to stay in the home without Mum there after all.

If Mum was employed there may be a death in service benefit that you aren't aware of. Worth checking with her employer.

It's all very raw right now - big decisions don't have to be (and shouldn't) be made right away.

If the will was a DIY last moment affair it's probably best to get a solicitor to verify it is valid fairly soon however.

asparagus1968

Think you need to contact a solicitor. I don't understand how the next of kin is responsible for SILs debts. Am pretty sure that's not correct actually. Wouldn't the debts be charged to the estate (the house). Unfortunately the 17 year old may not have a choice in staying in the house at all.

asparagus1968

DUCHY- you put that so much better than I did, thanks

pmlindyloo

If the daughter moves in with you or you with her then you may be entitled to tax credits as well as child benefit.

Pop your details into the calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk with the daughter living with you and see if you are entitled.

If the daughter refuses to move out and wants to live there on her own then I think she may be entitled to income Support and CT reduction as long as no one else ie receiving benefits for her. I am not sure as this is rather a specialist area so you would need to enquire.

g6jns_2

sjet926 wrote: »

Hi


Unfortunately my sister-in-law has just passed after a very short illness. She has a 17 yr old daughter who wishes to remain in her property (owned). She is currently in Full time education.


Unfortunately the house is the only estate. No life policies, insurance, cash etc. However, there are however, significant debts against the deceased.


I am now in position of funding the funeral (as I work full time) and being chased for her debts. The daughter wants to remain in the property but I cannot afford to run another house!

The DWP have basically said as my wife is NOK we have to pay for everything but may get a small amount of child benefit (will wont even cover the water rates).


Any advice appreciated as I now find myself in debt paying for these costs. Thanks

I am sorry for your difficult situation. You are not liable for her debts. Also the local Council will pay for a basic funeral so there is no need for you to do so. NOK is not liable in any way. I know you have all sorts to deal with but try an concentrate on the essentials. The DWP need to be challenged and visit to the CAB may be you best bet. Don't be pressured into signing anything you are not happy with. Come back here if you need more help.

g6jns_2

duchy wrote: »

I'd stop and take breath for now.
If this only happened within hours then everything will need to wait.

You are not liable for your SIL's debts- her estate is. Those debts need to be cleared and that may mean selling the house -or you purchasing a part share for now -or her daughter may once the dust has settled not want to stay in the home without Mum there after all.

If Mum was employed there may be a death in service benefit that you aren't aware of. Worth checking with her employer.

It's all very raw right now - big decisions don't have to be (and shouldn't) be made right away.

If the will was a DIY last moment affair it's probably best to get a solicitor to verify it is valid fairly soon however.

If there are significant debts the estate may be insolvent. If so then the standard advice is to keep well away from it.