Estate values in public domain

Kirkmain

So the mail have today publiscised that Dave Myers, one half of the hairy bikers, had an estate worth 1.4million, all left to his surviving wife. Does this mean when someone dies, their estate value and what their family inherit becomes information in the public domain? How is that right, or safe for the surviving family? Is there a way to make sure your estate value stays private after you die?

DE_612183

I think only the Royal Family can have their wills excluded from the public domain.

TonyMMM

From the article it looks like the value of £1.4m has been taken from the most recent accounts of his company ( available on-line via Companies House). That doesn't mean that is the full value of his estate.

But all wills, once probate has been granted, are public documents and copies can be obtained by anyone interested (they cost £1.50). At the moment his will isn't listed on the probate court website, but it would be too soon to expect it to be.

I believe the High Court can order a will to be sealed (as in the case of a few of those for members of the Royal family), but it is rare.

Gers

Kirkmain said:

So the mail have today publiscised that Dave Myers, one half of the hairy bikers, had an estate worth 1.4million, all left to his surviving wife. Does this mean when someone dies, their estate value and what their family inherit becomes information in the public domain? How is that right, or safe for the surviving family? Is there a way to make sure your estate value stays private after you die?

To be exact:

The TV chef reportedly left a £1.4million windfall for his wife, as she was named the sole shareholder of his firm after his death. 

The Sun reported that paperwork confirms Dave is no longer a person with significant control of Sharpletter Limited - with Liliana now having full control of the company. 

She was reportedly made a director of Dave's production company shortly before he revealed his diagnosis in 2022, according to Companies House records seen by the publication. 

It has been reported that she has taken over Dave's shares in the firms he co-owned with Si. Details of his will are yet to be made public.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13342975/Stepson-Hairy-Bikers-Dave-Myers-emotional-tribute.html

Nothing to do with his will, but, yes, when the will is proved it becomes a public document.

sammyjammy

Kirkmain said:

So the mail have today publiscised that Dave Myers, one half of the hairy bikers, had an estate worth 1.4million, all left to his surviving wife. Does this mean when someone dies, their estate value and what their family inherit becomes information in the public domain? How is that right, or safe for the surviving family? Is there a way to make sure your estate value stays private after you die?

Its only publicised if it goes through probate and you have no choice in that.

Kirkmain

Does the probate service give your family a heads everytime someone has downloaded your loved ones probate documents/ will?

MattMattMattUK

Kirkmain said:

Does the probate service give your family a heads everytime someone has downloaded your loved ones probate documents/ will?

No.       

TonyMMM

Kirkmain said:

Does the probate service give your family a heads everytime someone has downloaded your loved ones probate documents/ will?

No........ 

They will get a copy of the grant of probate, or administration, and a copy of the will, which will show the gross/net value of the estate, but they won't get any detailed accounts or copies of IHT forms etc.

Marcon

Kirkmain said:

So the mail have today publiscised that Dave Myers, one half of the hairy bikers, had an estate worth 1.4million, all left to his surviving wife. Does this mean when someone dies, their estate value and what their family inherit becomes information in the public domain? How is that right, or safe for the surviving family? Is there a way to make sure your estate value stays private after you die?

Various options - side letters, secret trusts, half secret trusts... Discuss with your solicitor which will best meet your needs. 

You may not be able to conceal the value of your estate but you can certainly conceal who inherits.

DullGreyGuy

Kirkmain said:

So the mail have today publiscised that Dave Myers, one half of the hairy bikers, had an estate worth 1.4million, all left to his surviving wife. Does this mean when someone dies, their estate value and what their family inherit becomes information in the public domain? How is that right, or safe for the surviving family? Is there a way to make sure your estate value stays private after you die?

Its right so that the wayward son the step mum hated and was all but disowned but was left in the will can see that they were owed something and challenge the step mum Executor if they intend not to give them what they were due or wanted to claim the estate was less than what it really was.