worried about the will of the ex-h in relation to my dc (x4)

[strangerintheday]

Long story, but will be brief. My ex-h and I were married for over 15 years, had 4 dc and divorced more than 10 years ago. He was paying CM all throughout the years and continues to support dc throughout uni. We both remarried. I had the terrible second marriage and was left skint by my second husband (house in negative equity, business gone down) I have never worked for another company after my first marriage and have great trouble finding job now. I am now left alone fighting off the banks who threaten to repossess. I have no savings and cannot help the children if they need my help going forward (youngest is 16, others above 18).

My ex-h is in bad health but still very wealthy. I understand I cannot go to him for maintenance, but I am afraid that he will leave all the wealth to his new wife (she does not work and she is expecting) and nothing to our joint children. Recently I have found out that my ex-h does not have a will. Will it be possible for his grown up children to inherit in this case and what is the common % if it is? If he does make a will and our children are excluded what are the chances that our joint children can challenge it. Many thanks.

Thank you Carrots, it is actually super interesting info for me because my dh and I have had previous marriages, have step and own kids and no wills in place. Just did not find time to do it properly as we have to rely on 3 different jurisdiction (we are all foreigners living in the UK with significant assets in all 3 countries).

This thread really highlighted the urgency of making a proper will and informing all the interested parties, so there is no bitterness and legal disputes if the sad day comes (hopefully, not for many decades).

I'm sorry, this won't be what you want to hear, but I just wanted to reassure you that your children don't need an inheritance. Many (most?) young people inherit little or nothing at all, it really isn't something to worry about.

Carrots, would the estate include life assurance where his wife was named as beneficiary?

I do hope his pregnant wife is reading this and urges him to make a will or at least makes sure her house is in joint names.

no, if the wife is specifically named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that money will go to her and will not form a part of the estate either.