Estranged family can not show me valid will

EricJones

Good Morning,
Could you please give me some information so I can move forward regarding my father’s estate?
My estranged father passed away 5 years ago. I have heard from my father’s best friend that the rest of the family could not find a will at his home. After many letters back and forth to the rest of the family I received a copy of a will that was written 20 years ago. I then pressed to ask to see photos of the original and the details of the witnesses to the will, which they have not provided but only said they have been in touch with the witnesses who are happy to come to court if needed.  In the last year I have indeed found out that neither of the witnesses have been contacted and that statement was an out right lie.  I have put a caveat and it has remained on for 5 years and has brought no action from them, only one letter asking me to for go any right to my late fathers estate.
My father was never married, he had 2 children (myself and step sister). At his time of death he owned several properties, land and machinery.
Another concern I have is that the gentleman representing my sister, after researching his name, he used to have his own solicitor practice but was struck off the register and closed down for falsifying wills.
Could you please help me with advice to move forward?
Many thanks in advance.

DullGreyGuy

EricJones said:

My father was never married, he had 2 children (myself and step sister). 

How do you have a step sister then? A "step" is the existing kids of someone you marry/parent marries but you say he never married. 

EricJones

My apologies ‘half-sister’

elsien

Who are the named executors  on the will? 

With regards to the thread title, it seems to be less “can’t show” the will and more “don’t want to.#

Are you a named beneficiary or were you already estranged at the point the alleged will was made? 

silvercar

Is your half sister’s mother alive? If she is, was she living with your father at the time of his death? Who owned the property they lived in? If it was jointly owned, she may become the owner depending on how it was held.  Is your half sister an adult? 

km1500

what does the will say does it name you as an executor or does it name you as a beneficiary or both or neither

has anyone applied for probate yet

bobster2

EricJones said:

 After many letters back and forth to the rest of the family I received a copy of a will that was written 20 years ago. I then pressed to ask to see photos of the original and the details of the witnesses to the will, which they have not provided but only said they have been in touch with the witnesses who are happy to come to court if needed.  In the last year I have indeed found out that neither of the witnesses have been contacted and that statement was an out right lie.  I have put a caveat and it has remained on for 5 years and has brought no action from them, only one letter asking me to for go any right to my late fathers estate.

This copy of a will you saw - was it signed, dated and witnessed? 

If you have this copy - with the witness details on it - why not contact them yourself and ask whether they recall witnessing this will?