Will

[hjor20]

My grandmother is still all well and alive which I'm very grateful for. My mum (her daughter) passed away 9 years ago. I've just been cleaning at my grandmothers and beside her bed was her will dated last year when she updated it.

I did have a quick nose which I know i shouldn't have and wish I hadn't. Stated on it is that my auntie will receive the estate and that she will ensure that all grandchildren are taken care of. Nothing is specified what should be taken care of.

When discussed the other year my grandmother said that when she passes, the half which would have gone to my mum, would be passed onto us 4 grandchildren.

Am I being unreasonable to be upset by the new will?

I can understand your hurt; but you will be accused of being grabby on here.

I don’t think you’re BU. We had this same situation a couple of years ago with my DH’s grandmother - it went to the uncle and aunt and DH didn’t get his dad’s third, and instead got the same amount as his cousins. I was quite cross as the cousins will probably inherit that money in time from their own parents (and FWIW DFIL died penniless at the time). DH accepted it so I shut up about it because it’s not my family, but I don’t think it’s fair - it’s treating your grandchildren differently because they had the misfortune of losing a parent young(ish).

That said, as always, it’s your grandmothers money and her decision. I guess it means you have (hopefully lots of) time to prepare yourself for it. And people will tell you off for snooping but tbh I’m sure you wish you hadn’t now, so no sense in trying to turn back time.

Maybe she thinks that's what she's agreed with the aunt?

Absolutely it's her money and she can do as she wishes with it, I think it's more the hurt of changing it and in a way makes me in a way think she's forgot about my mum. Which is definitely nonsense.
I've over thought it too much. Just upsetting when there's us grandchildren who do more for her than her other daughter.

X

Unless you have any reason to be concerned that she has been coerced into changing her Will by a 3rd party or have any concerns regarding her mental capacity - she is at liberty to change her mind and her Will as she sees fit.

No, you’re not. Particularly if you're caring for her!
If it’s all left to your aunt, legally she has no obligation to give anyone else anything. Imagine if she dies the day after your gran, it would all go to whoever is named in her own Will.
Our wills state that any grandchildren would have the share of the deceased parent.
I would mention you’ve seen it and ask why. Although frequent will changes do seem to become a hobby for some elderly people - my great Aunt was at the solicitors adding/removing people on a whim every couple of months for the last few years of her life!

The trouble with that sort of will is that the aunt may well not see that all the grandchildren and are taken care of, and keep it all herself. The grandmother should have been specific if she wants her wishes to be carried out.

I understand you’re upset. People can’t be trusted in these things and your grandmother could have left you your late mother’s share. What she’s done doesn’t appear to be binding on your aunt (from what you’ve said) and she could keep it all.