DH left me NOTHING in his will – devastated and fuming

[jackmd5]

I’m honestly reeling and don’t know what to do. DH of 15 years passed away unexpectedly a few months ago. It’s been a horrible time, and I’ve been dealing with everything – funeral, DC, paperwork, the lot – while also grieving.

I’ve just found out that he left NOTHING to me in his will. Not a penny. Everything has gone to his two DC from his first marriage, who are both adults and very comfortable financially. Our joint savings, the house (which is in his name, long story), even his personal possessions – all left to them. I get that he wanted to provide for them, but to leave me, his WIFE, completely out??! I am beyond hurt and also absolutely panicking because I have no idea where this leaves me financially.

He made the will before we were married, and I stupidly assumed he’d updated it. I trusted him. Never in a million years did I think he’d do this to me. I’ve raised our DC, supported him through thick and thin, and now I’m left with nothing??

I feel sick. I don’t even know where to start with legal stuff – does anyone know if I can challenge this? I can’t believe he’s done this. I thought we had a happy marriage. Just looking at his face in old photos makes me want to scream.

Has anyone been through anything similar? What did you do? I feel so betrayed.

Just found this though so get legal advice (especially as there are children from 2 different relationships). I've added this because I just saw the estate exceeds £322,00 (this is assuming you're in the UK, I think)
If the estate is valued at more than £322,000 , the inheritance is divided between the partner and the children. If the estate is £322,000 or less then the children don't inherit. The partner inherits: all the personal property and belongings of the person who has died.

My husband's daughter was left in a mess because her partner - 20 yrs her senior - hadn't made a will. They'd been together about 16 yrs, but he had thought he had 'plenty time' to make provision.

She had to go to court to make provision for their child. It was complicated, because he had an ex-wife.

Intestacy rules will apply

https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will/y/england-and-wales/yes/after-jul-2023/yes

are any children of his under 18?

In England and Wales if he doesn't have a valid will then all of the deceased's children will receive a share.

The will is invalid.

Absolute rubbish.

Terrible advice like this is why you need to see a solicitor asap OP. Try not to worry, it'll get sorted in your favour.

My dh is useless with stuff like this and this is something I can see him doing. He doesn't have other dc's though! I'm sure it was an oversight on your dh's part - I find a lot of people bury their head in the sand about dying.

There’s little point being angry with the dead although it is part of normal grief process.
As previous posts have said get some legal advice- even if the will has not been made invalid by the subsequent marriage it may be possible to contest it if you are not provided for adequately

Also worth checking if he had any life assurance policies OP. I'm sorry for your loss but hopefully the outcome of this isn't anything like you feared.

Hopefully people reading this will talk about Wills with their loved ones too

Under the Rules of Intestacy, I think you get the first £322,000 and anything over that is split 50/50 between the spouse and the deceased's biological and adopted children.

You also need to check any life insurance, death in service and pensions come to you to enable you to support your dependent children. My named pension beneficiary had a 20 year old address until I updated it recently but I believe the name is advisory anyway. When the dust has settled update your will and consider leaving a share to your stepchildren.

But he hasn't put you in any situation OP! He married you and by doing so he protected you so stop being angry against the poor man and remember him as the good man I hope he was. You are protected as other posters have explained to you. So are your children and normally his children too; they will share 50% of the money left after the 320 k have gone to you. So let's say he leaves 620 k. 320 goes to you. Then you get 150 k (50% of 300) and his 2 children and your 2 split the 150 k that rests.

Is others any life Insurance or pension?

That is often paid outside the estate and at the discretion of the trustees.

So even if it said -pay my older kids-if that was done 20 years ago and he had since married and had young kids they'd over ride that.

How has this will suddenly surfaced and who were the intended executors?

Presumably you’ve been the recipient of any life insurance and his pension?

Sorry but the husband was in the wrong, 15 years isn’t an oversight. He should have made provision for his older dc and his new family such as 50% to wife and 50% for older dc. With a stipulation that the wife can live in the house for life. He isn’t that young if he has adult dcs.

If it does then it's down to the AdultDC who are comfortably off, not the OP who has been his wife and raised his younger children in their family home.

Obviously it would be only right that his older children would stand to inherit something and have some of his personal possessions.

If his adult dc act as if they are sole beneficiaries and don't give a stuff about you and their siblings bear it in mind when you claim what's rightfully yours and your dc's....
They don't sound very nice...
So make sure you act accordingly... And keep the blooming lot....
Few token keepsakes and a drink at his wake...

Erm excuse me!!! I have lived through this with my mum, so please don't tell me it's rubbish!!

My mum's 2nd husband put his home in trust for his grown daughter from his first wife.

After seeking PROPER LEGAL ADVICE his DD got the home - even though my mum had paid half the bills etc.

She also got the life insurance he took ait after his wife died, because it was put in the trust.

My mum got what was in the bank and his pension, so please do NOT tell me I'm talking rubbish when I have fucking lived through it!

I'm very sorry for your loss. But also sad for DC of previous relationships in these situations. Many countries have a guaranteed part that goes to DC, I almost wish that was the case here in the UK too, would save a lot of these types of scenarios.

I often don't think it's the money - for his grown DC as they're financially OK as you say - but the feeling of having been left out. Just as you felt before you know about the will being invalid after marriage!!

My husband's daughter was left in the mire because her partner of 16 yrs hadn't written a will. His ex tried claim half the house. Fortunately, the daughter was able to prove that she'd bought the house herself.

The ex wanted all of his pension benefits, but the court ruled in favour of the child that he had with the daughter. (The ex had never worked - was involved in various charitable endeavours, apparently.)

@jackmd5

Please come back and let us know how you get on x