Informing Beneficiaries

WYSPECIAL

When executing a Will is there any point before distribution that you are obliged to tell beneficiaries that they have been left something?

I realise that once probate is granted it is a public document but they are unlikely to find out that way and there is no reason why they should expect anything.

Probably sounds a bit odd but it would be better for this person if they didn't find out about this gift until they have to.

Robin9

I wouldn't - it may be when all the sums are done there isn't enough in the kitty for the bequest to be made good.

Brie

Some might wonder what you are trying to hide if you don't. And some might try to put pressure on you nagging to get their inheritance sooner rather than later if you do tell them.

Frankly the only time I knew about an inheritance was when we helped my mom with her estate planning and my siblings and I all had copies of her will at least a decade before she died. Got a small amount from my grandmother along with a hand written letter to all her grandchildren - completely out of the blue. Likewise I got an amount after my dad died - unexpected as I assumed that everything would go to my mom.

WYSPECIAL

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083853#Comment_82083853

They're one of several residual beneficiaries so the amount won't be known until everything is finalised but it will be a five figure sum when it does happen.