Incomplete gift query

[sw879]

Hi, I hope someone might be able to help me regarding an incomplete gift query.

The deceased made substantial gifts 7 years prior to his death (circa £1,000,000). A week before he died, he wrote a cheque for £10,000 to a friend, however, the bank did not accept the signature on the cheque and the £10,000 remains in his account.

I have been told by a family member that the recipient of the gift is aware of his death (and has not mentioned the cheque) but I have not personally been in contact with them and I am unaware of any special circumstances surrounding the gift or if the recipient may have relied on receiving the gift to their detriment.

I was wondering if anyone could advise on the status of the gift please or could point me in the right direction? Thank you

[pawncob]

The £10k is a claim against the estate. Do you have evidence that it's a gift?

[sw879]

No evidence other than being told by a family member (who was also the deceased's attorney and is heavily involved in the administration of the estate) that the deceased made the gift to this friend.

[maths]

In short, the so-called "gift" fails and without further info' the donee has no right of action against the donor's estate.