Executor - without being asked.

Grumpy_chap

ThisIsWeird said:

Since been told there are possibly three wills! The original - 'valid' - one from around 7 years ago, which has my relative named as a beneficiary (and executor), a subsequent one 2 or 3 years later currently uncertain whether it's valid or not, and another even more recent which is 'not signed' so presumably moot.

The first thing that will need to be established is which is the latest, current Will.  If the Will from 2 or 3 years back is valid, then the Will from 7 years ago is irrelevant and the whole issue of the individual being Executor goes away.  Whoever is named in the Will from 2 or 3 years back can determine whether there is a later Will than that which is valid.

Savvy_Sue

ThisIsWeird said:

Grumpelstiltskin said:

This  happened to me many years  ago, before internet.
My father in law had made a will making me and my brother in law ( his daughter's husband) executors. BiL had the original and he presented it to me saying ' I think you could do this better than I could'
No problem I asked for all documents and completed it. Then about 2 years later I found out I had been lied to and there was money I hadn't been told about.
I only found out when the person who had lied had to admit about it as the company concerned wanted to see the grant of probate which I had. So you must be careful.

Scary - and devastating, I'm sure.

I've had a quick Google into what's involved, and wow. I mean - like you sadly found - how do you KNOW what all the deceased's assets are? How far and deep do you look?!

My recommendation to my relative will be, if you aren't a (reasonably significant) beneficiary, then pass on it.

There are websites - mylostaccount, Gretel - which will help if you are completely stumped, but you look around for paperwork, go into local branches and ask, see what's mentioned in the will ... It's not uncommon for money / assets to be found later, and the implications vary - sometimes they barely matter at all as long as the money gets to where it was supposed to go, albeit a little late. Money that's been 'hidden' in the way described could lead to an increase in Inheritance Tax, which will now be late and be due with interest; or of course it's all been spent by the 'wrong' person but other beneficiaries pursue them for what they're due, with interest ... 

ThisIsWeird said:

A slight correction to my OP; it seems my relative was 'asked' a good few years ago by this friend (more told than asked) that she would be the executor of her estate. It was said casually, and my relative changed the subject as she found such talk with this elderly person uncomfortable. Lawdie.

That's a shame: I think we need to get over this squeamishness on our part. I do realise that it may be tricky to ask a relative "have you got a will and what's in it?", but if they raise the subject themselves then IMO go for it!  

One of my in-laws was given a terminal diagnosis some time ago. We had several conversations, and we know EXACTLY what to do for the funeral! Which has not yet happened, and shows no sign of being needed any time soon.

Although there are a couple of people I'd like to raise that subject with - it may have to wait until the next funeral we're at ... 

Flugelhorn

We don't discuss finances with the offpring but there is clearly written list of exactly what bank accounts / property / assets we have and they know where to find it if needed