Hiding a will

Ragnorock

Hello.
I'm hoping this makes sense and someone maybe able to help.

My wife's grandfather died recently, he lived in France with her mother and step father. He was very frail for a few years and they looked after him.

When he died her mother claimed there was no will left despite it being talked about on a few occasions in passing.

We believe there was a will left but obviously have no way of proving it as we have no idea where to start looking.

The mother and step father are both on disability and neither work, yet a few days ago photographs have surfaced on Facebook of a 2009+ Aston Martin DB9 they have bought.

I am not looking for money, but just to make sure things have been done correctly - is there any way we can proceed?

Any help appreciated.

SeniorSam

Unless a Will is found, you can do nothing. What makes you believe a Will was left?

Ragnorock

That's what I feared.

He was a smart guy, just seemed like the type who would leave a will.
Other family members (including his daughter) had mentioned it in passing too. The was an issue where it was mentioned about writing someone out of it.

kazwookie

Do you know who is solicitors were? they may have a copy if contacted
His best friend?
Inside the cover of old books / paperwork
Under carpets
His bank
The loft.
As in France might it have been 'lodged' with the local town hall

Ragnorock

Unfortunately no idea at all. When his wife died his life was in a state of flux and he was back and forth to France and finally moved out there to live with them about 7 years ago.

So we have not idea if the will was made here or in France. I have seen that you can search for french will online - so I may have to give that a try.

Thanks for the replies.

Flugelhorn

I think grandchildren sometimes think that grandparents will leave them "something in the will" - it gets mentioned in passing but often not acted up on and when the will (if there is one) is finally probated, all has been left to the children.

bouicca21

If he were resident in France then presumably French law will apply, and there is no need for a will, because the law dictates how the estate is to be left. Does the daughter have any siblings? If not then under French law I think it’s likely that she cops the lot. A will that left her out would be challengeable in the French courts.

Ragnorock

He was incredibly close to his grandchildren and effectively was the main carer as they were growing up.

I guess there is very little we can do unless we can unearth something in the UK.

Again thanks for the replies.

Humdinger1

As far as French vs English law is concerned, I'm sure that you can write a will under either regime if you're English or with assets here. It's a relatively recent change (in last few years). If you talk to a solicitor, they can advertise for the lost will though there's no guarantee that it will turn up.

Good luck and keep us posted

Humdinger

bouicca21

https://www.blevinsfranks.com/news/blevinsfranks/article/eu-succession-regulation-law-france-uk

Robin9

bouicca21 wrote: »

If he were resident in France then presumably French law will apply, and there is no need for a will, because the law dictates how the estate is to be left. ...............

Surely he would have had to be a French citizen for French law to apply.