Access to house and contents

Alfrescodave

Hi, I'm looking for some advice to a situation that I may be overthinking.

A very good friend of mine died at the weekend. He had no family living nearby and was not on speaking terms with his 2 sisters following disagreements regarding money matters. My wife and I were at his house when he became ill. An ambulance was called but he subsequently died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

I know he had a will, but not the details, which is kept at his solicitors but I do not know which solicitors. My dilema is that I am the only one with a key to the house and am reluctant to allow his relatives access as I know they will strip the house of all valuables which they may not be entitled to in the will.

Am I liable, if I do give them access and subsequently the will indicates that the contents (and house) should have gone to a non relative etc?

Appreciate your thoughts particularly from someone who has experienced this situation.

Keep_pedalling

Only an executor has the right to to enter and remove items from the property so if you are approached by any relatives I would ask for proof that they have the authority to do so before handing over the keys. 

In your shoes I would contact the local solicitors to see if any of them are holding his will and let them know he has died. 

gwynlas

In your position I think I would check for any paperwork that might indicate which solicitors he used. Who is to say that he had not made that request of you?

Alfrescodave

Good suggestion. I've asked his next door neighbour if he will help me look in the house for a copy of the will or solicitors details.