My DSD passed away 8 years ago. Before he died (long illness) he told me he had written his will. Everything would go to my Mum and then after her days, it would be divided equally between 4 - me, my younger brother and my 2 younger Step–siblings (1 girl, 1 boy, both in their early 30's).
Fast forward to this month. We have all but lost contact with my Step-brother and sister. My Mum had a terrible relationship with them - I'd blame both parties, but if I'm honest, I blame my DM for never putting them first. They never felt accepted by her and as the adult, she was never really that nice to them. I tried to have a relationship with them - I'm really family driven, but it was hard work. My step sister is lovely, my step-brother is really money driven. My younger brother is the blue eyed boy who doesn't bother with anyone except my Mum. All siblings have moved away from the area. I'm sad about this, but respect their wish to not get in contact.
My mother inherited a small fortune from an uncle last year. She bought a smaller house and has spent the last few months renovating it before finally moving in last week. The family house is in a state and needs renovating before she sells it. I asked her to sell it off then to honour my DSD's wishes and give my step-siblings their 25% share now. I figured it would be doing the right thing and it may also bring us back together again. She flew into a temper and has refused to acknowledge that they even exist, even fabricating a few stories as to how they wronged her, treated her badly etc. she admitted that she has not followed my DSD's wishes and has written her own will seperatly to his. All her estate will be left to just me and my younger brother.
I argued that, whilst I admit to not knowing the legality of this, morally, I felt that she was really doing the wrong thing. She doesn't care. I also said that it would cause untold problems for me after her days (Step-brother is money mad and despite not being in contact, I would guess that he would be watching for my Mum's demise in order to claim his share).
Has she broken the law here? I'm not particularly flush with cash but am comfortable and can imagine me giving my share of any inheritance to my step siblings. I just don't feel she's doing the right thing. I also worry that she's risking my Uncle's money because unless she makes a fair will now, I imagine my step brother will try and claim a share of that as well. My uncle was a mad old batchelor and would rather give all his cash to the dogs home instead of it going to my step siblings (he was heavily influenced by Mum).
. I'm worrying about something that is in the future. I don't want hassle over money. I want to regain contact with my younger siblings, but not like this.
Sorry for the huge OP.
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Wills. Ignoring the deceased's wishes
14 replies
HexBramble · 17/06/2015 20:41
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