Left all his money to the Government

by **Peter D** on Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:30 am

A distant relative of my wife has died recently leaving a Will that left all his Estate to 'The Government' Â£1.2M. Now his brothers daughter is alive and has been told by her solicitor that it would be a waste of money to contest the Will. Is that really true. ?? Regards Peter

by **Peter D** on Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:00 am

Correction, the relative is the niece of the deceased. The deceased was her mothers brother. Regards Peter

by **Lee Young** on Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:24 am

Did the Will actually leave the estate to the government or did it simply pass to the crown bona vacantia (IE IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY NAMED LIVING BENEFICIARIES)?

If the former, and the niece was not being maintained financially by the deceased, and there is no way to allege the Will was invalid, then little point. If the latter then she will be entitled to the estate under the intesatcy provisions.

by **Lee Young** on Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:24 am

Sorry - Caps lock was on - I'm not shouting!

by **Peter D** on Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:38 am

The Will specifically left it to 'The Government' not a polical party or anything like that. And no she was not being supported by the deceased but was the only living relative. Thanks for your comments. Regards Peter