To ask for a set portion of the inheritance?

[Maria53]

Hi everyone, about 6 months ago I posted about the fact my dad said he wanted to buy me a flat with the massive inheritance he received from his father. The overwhelming response from mumsnetters was to accept but I have felt a lot of uncertainty around it.

Just for a bit of background I wasnt close to my grandfather. He had a fairly tragic start to his life that I wont go into. I think in the end he felt bad that we never really had a relationship and gave the majority of his inheritance to my father with the understanding that I would see some of it.

Today my dad brought this up, saying 'it doesn't have to an amazing flat that you buy, but at least something simple you can do up'. What does that mean exactly? I would much prefer that he simply gives me a fixed sum of the inheritance that he thinks I should have. Then I can get on with looking without him becoming a big part of the process and possibly wanting a say in what I go for.

Do you think that seems like a fair request?

YOu may need some legal or tax advice. Your father and other heirs can vary the grandfather's will to change it so you inherit a sum - loads of people do that fro the Milliband family to after my own mother died (as long as all heirs agree) - after Princess Diana died they did the same. I think you may need to do that within 12 months of the death so look at the time lines urgently as it could mean the difference between the state getting 40% in inheritance tax (if the estate were big enough for that) or not.

Do you know what your father was left as that will give an idea of what he might want you to have - assuming you are your father's only child? If there were say 5 siblings (I have 5 children who will inherit equally) then a fifth is smaller than 100% etc.

Stop assuming things and have a grownup conversation with your father!

This

So you've spoken to him about this TODAY, but still haven't asked about the amount? Come on. Text him now and say it was good to hear he's still supportive about buying the flat today, and you felt awkward about asking but If he can tell you an amount so you can know what to budget for, that would be really helpful.