To ask advice about possible inherited item?

[LizzieBennetsSister]

I'd really appreciate thoughts on this.
I used to talk on the phone occasionally to an older relative, a widower who was estranged from his children. He lived a long way from me, and we used to chat on the phone occasionally, particularly about family history, an interest we shared. Several years in, he told me he was planning to leave a particular family item to me in his will that had belonged to his grandparents (who were also my parent's grandparents). The item is not valuable in money, only for sentimental family reasons.
My relative died some time ago. His children are executors - I don't know them as he had nothing to do with them, but when my relative was alive he told me that neither of them were interested in family or the item he wanted me to have. Its unlikely that they knew about my existence. My question - is it possible for executors to not pass on something like this family item if they think the beneficiary knows nothing about it? Does anyone check up on whether all beneficiaries have received what was left to them? I am left wondering. I'd hate to think this family item had ended up in a jumble sale or skip.

Would he have had access to info that would help trace you now - e.g. previous or current address? This is what I am including in the letter of wishes accompanying my will. I think executors are expected to make good efforts to locate legatees/recipients. But obviously there are situations where they don't succeed. I'm not sure what the time limit is on those.

They may not have known his wishes. He may have said his intentions to you, but not had them put in his will.

They may not have your contact details. He may not have included you in his will, after all. You can see the will, I believe?

https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/ you can download a copy of the will for a few pounds using this website. Do you know what the item was

I agree with @Alphabet1spaghetti2 . If it wasn’t stated in the will that it was bequeath to you, then it becomes part of the estate. I’m not sure a conversation stating someone’s intent is legal.

How recently did the relative die? Sometimes it can take a while to sort out someone’s belongings.

Guess it does no harm to contact the executors and express a desire to have the item. However, if someone else has already claimed it, there’s probably not a lot you can do, if your name wasn’t stated.

Haven’t you posted about this before? You were given good advice.

Thanks very much everyone for your replies.
Semideponent Yes, my relative had my address, we exchanged Christmas cards, so I would be in any address book he had.
Alphabet1spaghetti2
Yes, its possible he never got round to doing it.
Corondel and Riverlee
I have no idea who to contact about the will - who the solicitors are or the whereabouts of his executors.
PurpleBunnie Thank you for this information. I have just looked it up but it is not registered on there yet. I will try again after an interval. The item was an embroidered sampler made by my great grandmother.
Mrs Kwazi No, never posted before.

Is it really worth the hassle to find out?

readytoweep It would be precious to me as a link with my late mother, who was brought up by her grandmother who made it. But beyond checking the probate record on gov.uk there is not much more I can do, or would do.

I have no idea who to contact about the will - who the solicitors are or the whereabouts of his executors.

Who informed you that he had died?

Oh a sampler, they are so precious.

Then do all you can to find out what happened to it and if it does in fact belong to you.

good luck in your search! 💕

How long ago did the relative die, OP?

The probate will give the names of those who were the executors. This can sometimes differ from the will if someone appointed declines to fulfil their role as executors. I think it also gives their addresses but that may have changed.