I'm new to Mumsnet, so I hope this is ok to post.
FIL died in January. It was sudden and unexpected. He had a married female friend, she and her hubby both medical professionals. FIL met her by chance out walking, around 3 years after his wife died. She had a rather excited dog, which didn't cope well on a lead. Over time, FIL offered to walk the dog when they were at work - then FIL announced he had changed his will. We'd get a copy he said. Time passed, no will, but we weren't concerned, nor were we prepared to ask for the copy - it wasn't important. The dog walking had by then progressed to doggie sleep overs at his and longer stays when his friend went on holiday. Gradually, he began occasionally spending time with friend and her hubby. Suddenly, my DH and his DD, were told that their visits were no longer welcome. If they were to, it would be only convenient on a Thursday evening, after 7pm and no later than 7.30pm. FIL did not want us there any other day or time as his friend visited - he wanted no intrusions. In 2015 FIL became ill - diagnosed with colon cancer. He wasn't going to bother with the op, he didn't want a Stoma fitted, "friend" said she couldn't live with one given the option. From FIL going in hospital, to coming out, we were kept in the dark. Nursing staff said next of kin - FIL's "daughter" had been told! DH is an only child. It was then we became concerned. We had never met this friend, only talked with her over the phone. Thankfully, we convinced FIL to have the op. It was a success and he coped well with his stoma. Dec. 2018 FIL became ill. Had 3 admissions Into hospital over Christmas and New Year - following the the final visit he didn't come out. During this time we actually met her and her husband 3 times, then at the funeral. There's so much more to this but I don't want to bore everyone. Following FIL's death the friend asked if we were aware of his wishes. We knew of certain things, but not everything. She presented us with a copy of the will (?), details of his financial affairs, bank balance, investments etc. Up to this point we had never thought about the will. DH was shocked when he read it. The friend was left 20% of a substantial estate, tens of thousands of pounds, not bad for letting an old man walk your dog. But worse still is the fact that firstly she demanded "Where's my money"? once probate was granted. FIL had a property she also is entitled to get 20% of, from the sale proceeds. DH got a solicitor's letter once more demanding "her money" and implying DH was being deliberately obstructive using "delaying tactics" with the house sale. During conversations she firstly said she knew nothing of FIL's affairs, but told DH his Father made a "good profit" on the sale of a property he and his wife once owned, even snapping at DH when he corrected her that FIL actually lost money on the sale. DH expressed shock at finding out what his Father had accrued. Her response? "Well what did he need to spend his money on"? Even FIL's Solicitor expressed his concerns following the contents of the will. But to contest the will would be costly and his advice was to try for an amicable solution. "Anyone, other than immediate family, with any decency would either decline or settle for less" he said. Yes, we understand the will was FIL's last wishes. But is it just us thinking something does not sit right here? Has anyone had a similar experience? How did you handle it? Apologies for the length of this folks. If you got to the end - thank you.