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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

I didn't get my inheritance?

42 replies

Smeggle · 28/09/2017 15:57

My granny died 17yrs ago and I've just found out I was due an inheritance (1k) which I never received. Now what? I have no funds to chase this up legally. I am nc with my family.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 28/09/2017 16:00

Hiring a lawyer would cost far more than 1k so if I were you I would forget about it.

Ellisandra · 28/09/2017 16:16

How do you know now? Was it actually stated in her will?

You could bring a civil action for fraud against the executor for not paying you.

You could certainly write a letter saying you want £x by X date otherwise you will commence legal proceedings for fraud.

You're non contact though, and there must be a reason for that. What is the real cost to your emotional wellbeing of engaging with this?

LIZS · 28/09/2017 16:20

Did she have it to leave though? She may have stated it in her will but there not been the funds left over to distribute.

Original poster
Smeggle · 28/09/2017 16:29

there was 42k in funds to distribute.

I'm pissed off because I really loved her and it would have meant something.

OP posts:
bluit · 28/09/2017 16:31

Who had it then? Do you know?

2014newme · 28/09/2017 16:32

Have you contacted the executor

Ellisandra · 28/09/2017 16:32

What is the exact wording of the will?
If it said "to be distributed to my relatives" and was at the executor's discretion, then I doubt you have any case at all.

Branleuse · 28/09/2017 16:32

im sorry to hear that :(

Ellisandra · 28/09/2017 16:33

I expect the executor is one of that nc family members

MyBrilliantDisguise · 28/09/2017 16:35

Well, I would invest in a lawyer - ask them to write to the executor and ask for the money.

scrabbler3 · 28/09/2017 16:36

Perhaps you should post on the Legal board for some advice (or get this moved there). I'd imagine the first step would be contacting the executor in writing. Has this only just come up? It's awful behaviour and I'm sorry.

Sohurt17 · 28/09/2017 16:37

How did you find out?

splendidisolation · 28/09/2017 16:43

It was 17 years ago? Seriously. Move on.

MyBrilliantDisguise · 28/09/2017 16:44

Why should she move on? Should her grandmother's wishes just be ignored? Should someone who's committed a crime just get away with it?

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 28/09/2017 16:45

I'm sorry, OP. For that amount of money I really don't think it would be worth going to a lawyer. Their fees would eat that inheritance up in no time, and there is no guarantee whatsoever that you would get the money. Best to try to move on if you can and put it out of your mind. You'll have your memories of your grandmother. Nobody can take those away. Thanks

strongasmeringue · 28/09/2017 16:46

Isn't the important bit that she left you something? That's the bit that means something.

MollyHuaCha · 28/09/2017 16:48

Maybe it was put in a savings account for you? And then forgotten about. Perhaps you've moved address since it was set up and the bank/building society can't find you? Ask anyone who might possibly know.

LoyaltyAndLobster · 28/09/2017 16:50

OP I'm sorry, but £1k isn't worth any trouble!

Madbum · 28/09/2017 16:50

Did a family member steal it?

AnathemaPulsifer · 28/09/2017 16:50

How old were you? Perhaps your parents used it on your expenses? Not very generous, but valid.

unfortunateevents · 28/09/2017 16:58

Given that you are NC with your family, how has this come to light now? Have you seen the actual will and wording?

Slimthistime · 28/09/2017 17:05

OP how do you know?

You should be able to get a copy of the will from here

www.gov.uk/search-will-probate

I would say £10 is well worth paying unless you know that someone had that money and spent it or something. In which case I would certainly threaten legal action.

SpiritedLondon · 28/09/2017 17:14

Well £1000 may not be worth it to lots of people but may be worth it to the OP. It certainly wouldn't hurt to write to the executor to request an explaination. I have absolutely no knowledge of being an executor but I know there's a legal responsibility to fulfill the request of the will. Surely if there was a legitimate reason why the money couldn't be paid the executor should have contacted you to explain?

Slimthistime · 28/09/2017 17:18

exactly Spirited, I hope the OP isn't put off by some of these replies

It might be easy to retrieve, it might not, but it's absolutely worth finding out.

Mummyoflittledragon · 28/09/2017 17:19

Can you do the search suggested by Slim and take it to small claims court?