No Will

Bykerlass

My mother in law passed away in July without leaving a will. She was joint owner of a property with her husband who survives her. I understand that the property automatically passes to my father in law. The value of the property is under £250.000. There is no other money or debts involved.
Is there anything we need to be advising my FIL with regards the property? Does he need to get the deeds changed to his name only? Does he need to inform anyone regarding this?
We have already informed DWP re pension and HMRC and government agencies, but are just concerned about the property. There is no mortgage on the property.

Mojisola

Bykerlass wrote: »

My mother in law passed away in July without leaving a will. She was joint owner of a property with her husband who survives her.

I understand that the property automatically passes to my father in law. The value of the property is under £250.000.

Is there anything we need to be advising my FIL with regards the property? Does he need to get the deeds changed to his name only?

Is the house registered at the Land Registry? If so, it's simple to change the ownership.

If not, it would be worth doing a voluntary registration.

Bykerlass

Thanks for your quick response:)
Yes the house is registered with the land registry, am I correct in completing a DJP form to send to the land registry to transfer ownership to my FIL alone?

Mojisola

Bykerlass wrote: »

Yes the house is registered with the land registry, am I correct in completing a DJP form to send to the land registry to transfer ownership to my FIL alone?

Yes - quite straightforward.

Bykerlass

Thank you for your help, much appreciated. My FIL will be making a will in the near future.... 😉

brewerdave

Was the property held as joint tenants or tenants in common? If joint tenants ,as above HOWEVER think its a bit more complicated if the property was held as tenants in common and your M-I-L died intestate?

Bykerlass

They were joint tenants thankfully. We had been going on at them for years about making a will. ��

Brighty

brewerdave wrote: »

Was the property held as joint tenants or tenants in common? If joint tenants ,as above HOWEVER think its a bit more complicated if the property was held as tenants in common and your M-I-L died intestate?

As the property was her only asset, and was worth under £250k, then even if it was was held as tenants in common, under rules of intestacy, husband gets it all anyway (intestacy rules are spouse get first £250k). Only complication is you'd need to apply for probate

Brighty

Bykerlass

Thank goodness it was joint ownership, we have had enough to do as it is 😢