Partner died, not married and no will

[Quickchange2022]

This ISN'T me. I'm asking for a friend.

A is in a relationship with B. A bought a house outright 2 years ago for them both. House and furnishings chosen jointly but funded by A.

A and B decided to get married to tie up the legalities. This was a long term and committed partnership with plans to retire in next five years and travel together. Wedding booked for next month. A in the process of assessing pension values and making a will. But not completed either.

A died before Christmas, within a few days of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. B obviously distraught.

Next of kin is A's sibling. Lives at opposite end of UK. Not a close relationship. In fact A didnt like her. This is not hearsay, most of As friends knew this.

Sibling has come in and taken over. Removed everything from the house with any value (which A always said she would). B has lost life partner and seems will lose home and contents too.

Anyone been in this position or have experience. B is going to seek legal advice but is it a waste of time and effort in an already stressful time? Is B just screwed and soon to be homeless? A is worth a lot - probably £800k including house value. B doesn't want a penny, just the home.

Thoughts mumsnet hive mind??

If A and her siblings didn’t like each other, is there anything that could be worked out through with mediation with B and the sister to possibly help B out to an outcome that avoids solicitors if they outcome won’t be favourable for him?
Again sorry you are dealing with the unexpected loss of a friend and to B for his partner.

@Quickchange2022 I might be reading between the lines and getting it very wrong, sorry if so. is B not from the same country as A? Is that why they lived apart for so long and there was a falling out with A and her family? Does having a property affect their rights to stay in the U.K. if not married? Hope he got some reassuring news from the solicitor and can take this further.

Sorry for your loss and to B.

I knew an A and B. B was pregnant when A was hit by a car. House went to A's child from a previous relationship. B had to move out and got nothing. Sorry.

@PineappleWilson that is terrible and you think once the new child was here/DNA showed a relationship they could change the settlement.

@Quickchange2022 sorry for my previous question. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for B to have/plan a funeral when he was looking forward to a wedding with his lovely partner. I hope the funeral went/goes as he/A would have wanted it. He is lucky to have you as a friend looking out for him and supporting him.

You have done some good in making some people get a will that haven’t though they needed one, so thank you for that.

@pinapplewilson if the pregnant lady had applied to a court to order a DNA test and there was a match the baby would have got the same as its sibling.

I'd second previous advice about getting in touch with any pension providers.

For pensions that are payable 'at the trustees' discretion', like most of ours, a cohabiting partner takes preference over a sibling.

@Quickchange2022 how is your friend getting on? Has he been able to keep his house/fight the pension?

I think B needs legal advice because in some circumstances she can make a claim on the estate. It's not guaranteed though but her case looks promising.