Husband died without a will

[ffswhatnext]

I found out about a week ago that my husband died without a will.
As far as I know, everything would come to myself/our children.

However, we split years ago and he has since made a new life (no children involved not that it's relevant) and has joint assets with his partner.

Firstly I want to reassure her I don't want anything. It's up to our children if they want anything.
Secondly, how can I help sort this out quickly?

She hasn't approached me or our children. I understand that she is grieving and trying to sort everything. Plus she might not be aware that a shit storm is about to head her way. He was a big believer in the common-law wife/husband fallacy.

But I also want to do it without intruding. None of us has spoken to her before.

Don't make any rash decisions about what you'll take/leave - get legal advice first (lots of solicitors allow a free initial consultation) , also allow your dc time to process everything mentally and emotionally - their initial gut reaction may change with the passage of time (and legal advice).

I hope it goes well - remember that if you had divorced then the whole lot would go to your children, so you’re not denying his partner anything. He did that when he decided not to make a will, and unless he lied to her about having a will naming her then she would have known she wouldn’t inherit so this shouldn’t be a shock. He may have updated his pension beneficiary etc to her.

Your state pension could be very reduced as you probably looked after children rather than working full time

No. If you’ve been claiming child benefit your stamp will be paid- that’s what it’s for. So time off work for children will have no impact on state pension.

This is why women need to claim CB, whether they get money or not.

My dad died intestate when I was young. Everything went to my mum. I personally never received a penny, so it may all go to you rather than directly to the kids.

If the funeral hasn't already been held, consider attending it to support your children. There may well be someone representing his company attending, so possibly a way of finding out the information you need.

So pleased to see your update OP - you're doing the right thing for your DC.

It's a very good point that his DP quite possibly condoned his behaviour towards you and your DC, so why should she benefit, once again, to their detriment? She is not yours to worry about - your DC are.

Hope everything gets sorted as painlessly as possible for everyone concerned, OP.