Find out about will

[Bellavida99]

I wondered if anyone can help. We’re in a bit of financial dire straits at the mo like many people. My mother died 7 years ago and since then things have been very tense with my father. No real reason but he seems to intensely dislike me and my brother since my mothers death. It’s very odd inexplicable behaviour and has been very upsetting. We were always a close family but after years of trying to reconcile us all I’ve put it to bed and have a very low key almost no contact relationship with him now although my teenage son sees him regularly. Due to mounting debt and an impending remortgage onto a pretty high rate we’d love to switch to an interest only mortgage for next 5 years at least. IT would really help our remortgage decision if I could know if I’ll ever get any inheritance money in the future to pay off mortgage. My father is very elderly and poorly. I wondered if I can somehow find out if I’ve been written out of his will? I know the family solicitor details but not sure if I can ask. I hope this doesn’t sound heartless and money grabbing.

Whatever is in his Will is confidential - he can change it at any time he's mentally capable to add/take out beneficiaries. A solicitor really will not be impressed if you ask them and if your father finds out, he's not going to be amused. Personally, I wouldn't rely on inheritance from anyone, especially if you're not close or in regular contact.

I hope this doesn’t sound heartless and money grabbing.

Well it is..

You can't base your own finances around the hope or expectation of an inheritance. Even if he had included you in his will (which the solicitor won't tell you until he's died) all of his money could go paying for his care.

People can be poorly and sickly for years

its a confidential document that you don’t have a right to see at the moment

Planning finances around an inheritance is always a bad idea. Even if you are in the will, you might not be next week. Or vice versa.

You need to plan your finances without it

In short no. His solicitor is duty bound to protect the contents of his Will until he dies. Upon his death, only the executors, upon production of ID and a Death Certificate, will be given a copy of the Will

I hope this doesn’t sound heartless and money grabbing.

Unfortunately it does.

You can’t - or you absolutely shouldn’t - plan your financial future on the promise of an inheritance. Regardless of what’s going on in the relationship. Inheritance is never guaranteed.

Plan on the worst-case scenario basis that you’ll get nothing. Do not enquire further of anyone.

Absolutely not unless the solicitor is prepared to be hauled up in front of the Solicitors Regulation Authority for a breach of the SRA code - client confidentiality. I can't believe you'd think this was a goer 🤦‍♀️😂

Ugh this is horrible. You don't plan things by what you may get from someone dying. How awful.

Even if you knew what the situation is now, he can change it at any time and if he's likely to be ill for any length of time, a lot of the money could go in care costs anyway.

You need to cut your own cloth...

Even if you could find out, you cannot guarantee on there being money after he dies. If he has to go into a care home you are looking at over £1,000 per week to pay for this and even more than this if he has to go into a nursing home.

You will only find out after you Dad passes away. It is confidential information. He might bypass you and leave it all to your DS.

Thanks all. I did think it would be confidential information and not something I can enquire about or depend upon but it’s good to get that clarified and you’re all right - I need to have my own long term plan not rely on possible distant inheritance.