Father's estate

[croyde]

My dear 'ol dad died last year and my younger brother dealt with the financials and organizing the funeral etc. I met him last night and he tells me that dad had a small sum in his bank account. Around £9k, which currently resides in my brother's bank account.

Dad didn't appear to have left a will so the money automatically goes to his ex wife (not our mum) in Germany but she says that us three brothers should have it.

There's no fighting and I'm really not bothered whether we get the money or not. I'd rather dad was around to enjoy it but my brother is worried about the law and tax implications if his ex wife were to give us £3k each.

Anyone know how this all works in order to keep it all above board.

Cheers.

[croyde]

Thanks for that. He wasn't officially the executor, he just took responsibility for my dad's affairs as he was able to stay in the area.

Dad's wife's English is not very good so I presume I can draft a letter using those words that you quoted and she can sign it.

Do we just keep the letter or does it then have to be sent somewhere?

Thanks again.

[croyde]

He lived here in the UK and they were still married but lived apart. That is the total of his estate.

Thanks.

[croyde]

Cheers. The funeral costs were deducted. His bank dealt with all that.

So would the 'variation' letter mentioned earlier be fine for her to sign if she wants to waive her right to the rest of his estate.

Thanks for all the help chaps.