Access to fathers property (Deceased)

[Fozziebear]

My father passed away on 13/01/23, still very raw, I previously had access to the property to visit etc. His partner of 30 years left him in May 2022 to go to be closer to her family while she have treatment for cancer, she dumped all the bills onto him and didn't send him a penny to help, I had to step in and cover a lot of invoices for him. This weekend my sister and his partners daughter went to the property, the cctv I installed for him, and my own peace of mind, went down, I received a message this morning from his partner stating the locks have been changed and she's the sole key holder in Essex, property in North Devon. Ive advised her I need access this Wednesday to retrieve some of my personal belongings, the cctv and some odd bits I left there, no reply so far. I plan to visit Wednesday to deal with death certificates etc, she is executor of the will. anyone had a similar problem? im considering my options, I knew this would happen as there's money involved, I told my father to leave the lot to cats protection and stuff the family.

[drmotorsport]

Is the partner married to your dad? If not are they an owner of the property? If not then they can't just go changing locks or restricting access. However If she is an executor then she has a duty to audit and maintain the estate to keep it safe and preserve value. As someone with a reasonable interest in the estate, you should naturally let her know you will be taking great interest in the submission of your dad's will for probate...

[Fozziebear]

drmotorsport said:

Is the partner married to your dad? If not are they an owner of the property? If not then they can't just go changing locks or restricting access. However If she is an executor then she has a duty to audit and maintain the estate to keep it safe and preserve value. As someone with a reasonable interest in the estate, you should naturally let her know you will be taking great interest in the submission of your dad's will for probate...

Tennants in common, never married thank the lord, fortunately I took a copy of the will as my father wanted to make sure it was fair. She's considering if I can get access Wednesday, ive contacted house keeper to get in, if not I will gain access to my property and leave.