Money Moral Dilemma: Should I tell my brother about the unexpected money left by mum?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My mum passed away five years ago and recently, out of the blue, I was notified of an account she once had. And to my surprise £11,500 from it was transferred to me. When she died, my brother and I split her estate between us informally. Since then he has moved into a flat my mother owned and also has her old car. Should I tell my brother about the money, or is it fair to keep it given he now lives rent-free and has her car?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

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elsien

You split the estate between you - slightly confused about the informally bit - did no-one apply for letters of administration if there was no will? Who does the flat now belong to ? 

The money is as much a part of her estate as everything else, so of course you split it according to the will/intestacy rules. It’s not a moral dilemma, it’s a case of following the law. 

Malthusian

Why does MSE still think that how to distribute an estate is a "moral dilemma"? This isn't the first time.

The £11,500 needs to be distributed in line with her Will or intestacy law if there wasn't one. So for that matter does the flat and the rest of her assets.

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person.

They could however have told the MoneySaver to stop messing around and speak to a solicitor instead of saying "Sure, let's ask the peanut gallery whether you should go ahead and attempt to defraud your brother".