The estate is probably in the region of about 2 million, 1 transaction 2 days after FIL's passing was for £30,000, funny how he acquired camper van not long after. I'm pretty sure there's some dodgy stuff going on and I'm sure he'll get caught out eventually.

Thank you honeybee, I was under the impression probate is basically an application to authenticate the will and for permission to gather together everything the estate has. Until probate has been granted to the executors you have no right to do anything, certainly not take money from the deceased bank account. From the information my son has managed to get from his father it seems he (his father, no other beneficiaries) want to use the wishes set out in the unsigned will, as that was the most recent, needless to say that one says keep the business as a going concern, not sell and divide up between all beneficiaries. The one to get the biggest gain is of course him, because he will get an income for doing nothing, and invoice the company for maintenance and repairs on the properties in the rental business when he fancies a holiday or new car! Additionally there will be no assets when it comes to financial settlement. He is so transparent, remember I know this person inside out. Relationships have broken down between him and his family, meaning he no longer has to answer any of their questions. I'm truly disgusted, this is a new level of low even for him!

I'm pretty sure the wording in the will says without tax, so guessing it needs to be paid before division.

Thank you Bazza and King, yes the will was signed and witnessed by a solicitor and receptionist. There is another will held in another country, ex and sister get equal shares of the property overseas as well as the main home, plus equal shares of whatever is left over (this is good news for divorce settlement) This means they are getting the biggest share which goes completely against both parents wishes for over 20 years that I know of! When this first came to light last week, there was mention of another more remote but equally as dodgy as ex family member being executor. There is no mention of him anywhere, so not sure why his/her name was ever brought into the issue, unless of course this isn't the last will! I'm quite astonished that the will is so simple, there's no mention of the business or the remaining 52 ordinary shares, or does that form part of the estate, if so how are the valued?

All beneficiaries, except the ex want everything sold and money divided as per the will, they don't want to keep the business going to have an income from it, as he does, he'll just syphon it off over time. Grandchildren need to buy their own homes, all have jobs so don't want the income the business could generate, ex wants that so he doesn't have to work, he's got his home with the girlfriend, he'll have his chunk from the sale of FIL main residence, so he'd be happy to have his chunk in the bank and play 'boss' to them all. But can they insist on everything being sold, that's not clear in the will.

It doesn't mention the business, but I'm sure you've gathered the company assets are the properties, so without them there is no business. I think there's more than 10 properties but family members live in them. The will is actually pretty basic. The sister has been to get some legal advice today. From what I've read Inheritance tax should be paid within 6 months of the death, or at least some held on account, I rather think the money that could have been used for that has gone in the ex's account Sister says it'll be about £800,000 to be paid.

My son has been sent a copy of the will by his aunt (joint executor) I'm astonished, but ex is named as an executor with his sister. They get equal shares in the main residence, worth about £250,000 and I believe a property abroad, worth about £100,00 (that's in a seperate will) FIL told my son. Everything else gets divided equally between, ex, sister and grandchildren So ex gets equal shares in two properties, plus whatever amount 10 other properties are worth when sold divided by 8 (4 grandchildren, ex and sister) What do you all make of that??

Thanks Bazza, some bits sort of make sence, from the sounds of things all parties just want rid of everything to avoid having to have any kind of business dealings with the ex, he's proved to them all he can't be trusted to do the best for all, just himself. Would have been a nice little earner for him, having a regular wage for doing nothing and when he needed a little extra just invoice the company for some phoney work! Apparently the sister knows things haven't been done right but the ex has bullied her into transferring money to him, so guessing she is the one who had access to the business and FIL's bank accounts, which figures, FIL would never have trusted the ex with anything.

Wow Bazza! That's like a different language to me The deceased holds 52 ordinary shares, and the crook and his sister hold 24 ordinary shares each What does that mean, and who does the 52 shares belong to now?

Well apparently it's kicked off tonight, he knows everyone is on to him and is playing the I want to keep the business (only 25% is his) and have an income card, not sell everything and give everyone their lump sum. All parties involved had to remind him it's not what he wants that matters! What a piece of work he is! Iam so glad I'm not the one in his house tonight trying to stop him throwing things around in temper and being blamed for his shortcomings, 20 years was enough! I'm guessing because of his reluctance to apply for probate, the valid will is the one he's not in, which of course is not good news for me in the divorce settlement but thats fine, I have a job I enjoy and my lovely children, no amount of money can buy that! Just one question, if he and his sister are directors each having 25%, how could the beneficiaries sell the assets? Thank you all for your interest.

Thank you for the links Stu, I had already read that and many other articles, but until we know exactly what is going on its hard to know how to proceed. It seems that one of the other beneficiaries has already consulted a solicitor having become suspicious long before we did. All beneficiaries want the deceased's friend to be executor and all assets sold, then they need never have any contact with the crooked family member again. Given the business side of things, if the assets are not sold he will be very much a part of their interests, given he is a director. I have a suspicion that the assets may be held on trust until the death of both, of the deceased children (my ex & his sister) Ex will be on a win win if that is the case, he'll be able to pay himself a nice monthly salary and or dividends and invoice his own partly owened company for work he hasn't actually done! Anyone know anything about assets held in a trust??

Nah, he wouldn't go to the trouble of trying to make it realistic, he's a big one for burying his head in the sand and hoping it turns out okay. I have googled the solicitors name, it might be that he's retired or I've got the name wrong, I wish I had paid more attention to the subject when FIL was talking to me about it. Ex is a master manipulator, but also very hated by his dad's friend so I'm hoping with him there at the 'impromptu' meeting he won't be able to manipulate his sister, son, nephew and niece, and be exposed for the cheating ****** he is! Grateful for all your thoughts, it's very interesting

The friend doesn't have a copy of the will. I know the name of the solicitor who FIL used, but not the name of the actual firm.

The last will wasn't signed. I have known him to forge his fathers signature, and that was for court documents (long story, but plodder tom helped us at the time, although obviously not the fact that the signature was forged) I don't believe he is executor on the signed or unsigned will, otherwise, why not apply for probate?

Thank you Mr P, I can well imagine it would be a costly issue but knowing my ex as I do I don't think it will come to that, he's no criminal mastermind and in all honesty this is where my involvement ends, not being part of the family anymore. I'm just glad it's come to light and my son will hopefully get what his grandad wanted him to have.

Whilst I was out this evening the ex's very tearful sister contacted my son (his auntie obviously) admitted she knows things aren't being done properly but she's apparently scared of the ex and does what he says (oh how I know that feeling well) The grandchildren, the sister and the friend have arranged a time and date to get together and ask to see the will and why he hasn't applied for probate yet. That seems like the correct thing to do, rather than going straight in with accusations and solicitors. The sister told my son, they have both had money from an ISA so that explaines the large deposit in his account. Not sure if that money formed part of the estate and shouldn't have been taken until probate has been granted, I guess it should be frozen just like all the other accounts. It's a relief to know they're all in agreement that there's something dodgy going on, obviously I have my own reasons for mis trusting him but they are his blood relations! There is always the possability of course that the sister has jumped ship now she knows my son and the friend are on to them , but having known her for 25 years I do believe she is being manipulated by him just like I was for over 20 years. We'll know in a few days if a solicitor needs to be consulted. Thanks for all your advice, it's been really helpful.

It did sound a bit dramatic Ethel I agree, what I meant was, only he went to a solicitor, I'm assuming the one holding the will, whom my in laws visited frequently to update their wills. Additionally, only he went to see a financial advisor too! Seems on he knows what's in it, and for some reason doesn't want anyone else to know. Yes the business does generate a huge income, the ex also invoices this company from his own self employment, is that legal?

Thank you all for your input, I'm trying to understand it all and research as much as I can. The business is a ltd company, each sibling has 25% and deceased had 50%. The friend had a conversation this morning, (bear in mind he's been a family friend for 60 plus years) with ex's sister, just asked sort of casually, what's he (ex) up to? She burst into floods of tears, saying she's terrified of my ex (her brother) and she's aware he's determined her kids will get nothing. I know for a fact it was all meant to go to the 4 grandchildren, that was always F & MIL wishes and everyone knew it. FIL friend said he'd be happy to go with my son to approach the other grandchildren to ask if they're happy with the executor, who don't forget has proved to no one yet that he is actually named as such, only he went to the reading of the will (not sure if it was the old one, unsigned one or both) From what I have read so far as probate hasn't been applied for yet, a next of kin can ask a solicitor to put the ''executor' on notice that if they don't accept probate within 8 days they will be forced to hand over the duty to someone else, in this case I'm sure they'd agree it should be the friend. Seems a little odd that he's in no hurry to apply for a grant of probate?? What other reasons could there be, other than its not all above board, any suggestions anyone? It's neatly 5 months since the death and the only person with a big fat bank balance (albeit for minutes before it was transfer out again) is the 'executor' seems fishy to me! Thoughts are greatly appreciated

Thanks for the replies, I know my X FIL did everything by the book, updated his will frequently, I was very close to my ex in laws and it was always me he discussed things with, at the time I used to say things like stop talking about that, as you would for someone you cared about. I nam confident he wouldn't have given POA to my ex, his sister possibly but he would not have trusted my ex with anything. My ex told our son there was an unsigned will but they couldn't find the one before it, probably to buy time I imagine. I know for sure it will have been there somewhere! The large transfer came from the sisters account, two days after FIL died. I'm sure there's many more since but that's the only statement my son has found. The complication is the very successful business, I would estimate it generated around £20,000 per month with minimal outgoings. A few months before he passed away ex and his sister were made directors of the company, with FIL holding the majority share. I can only guess that, his share has been left to someone in his will. In the meantime the two directors are taking a huge monthly salary, and or dividends, money that should probably be sitting there waiting for the person/s who have inherited FIL share of the business, is that how it works?

I've been seperated for 2.5 years I've had all the usual hostility from him that's seems to be usual despite him being the one to leave for another woman. I issued a divorce petition earlier this year as we'd agreed, on a two year seperation ground with consent, he ignored it, then issued one himself on the same ground about a month ago, so far I've not done anything simply because I can't afford to seek legal advice. Our son was told by his grandfather he will inherit a substantial amount upon his death, this wasn't anything we didn't know as it's always been known amongst the family that the grandchildren will inherit equal shares in his estate and the children (my ex and his sister) will get nothing. The reason both grandparents decided on that was to avoid any spouses with children inheriting in the event of death of their children (my ex and his sister) and the daughter/son in law (me and sisters husband, both of whom had children with someone else) inheriting, and then ultimately their children who were only remotely related by marriage inheriting when we die. If you're still with me I'm impressed... A few months ago my ex father-in-law passed away, a year after mother-in-law. Since his grandfathers death my son has asked his father a couple of times about how it's all going, he's 21 so naturally is interested to know how he can plan his life with his grandads gift. The subject has been dismissed by his father, but is himself spending like a lottery winner and has not been to work since the day his father died. Today my son had a disturbing conversation with his grandads life long best friend who was so relieved that the subject of the will was brought up, stating that he's had sleepless nights about it because he had been named executor of the will for over 40 years and had many conversations with my sons grandad over the years about not wanting my X to get his hands on his money and how disappointed he was of his dishonourable son, but is powerless to stop him. Allegedly, a new will was written but not signed, shortly before his death, and only my ex has had sight of this or the previous one. There is only one other family member and sadly she will do exactly as her brother (my ex) tells her to do It seems that the executor title has been stripped from the lifelong best friend and my ex and an equally dodgy family member are now the executors, the friend knows they are not following the correct procedure and are moving money around, and is pretty confident he's not going to distribute it as his friend had wished. I'm confident it's being hidden to avoid disclosure when the time comes for financial remedy in the divorce, my son has seen a bank statement with a substantial amount deposited and withdrawn the same day, leaving nothing but pennies in the account. How is it possible to have access to the deceased mans money, shouldn't all accounts be frozen until probate is granted?? Any suggestions as to how he could be doing this? The estate has several assets worth a huge amount of money, inheritance tax will be payable, how is he getting away with this and should my son be doing something to protect his and his cousins inheritance.

Hi all I have been trawling through divorce websites for the last 18 months so know the process can take a while, but from what I can gather it's the finances that cause the biggest delays. If I stake any claim now, fil will undoubtedly keep it in his account and drip feed the ex, but If I keep my head down he won't know I even know he's getting anything, as far as he's aware I'm still under the impression it misses that generation out completely, which was always the case up until last year when his mum died when obviously fil changed his will. Hopefully he will then happily purchase his new home, then in time inherit the shares in the two other properties, then I will have something worth fighting for. I am in the process of selecting a solicitor who has expertise in this field, so I'm not sitting back and doing nothing, I'm taking all your advice on board but cannot risk making any noises until fil is too ill to change his will, callous I know but I don't have anyone to look after me so have had to get dam tough and selfish, besides being so unceremoniously tossed aside and left to fend for myself I don't think I have any feelings for them anymore.

Thanks everyone, I really do appreciate your interest and input. I have made enquiries with various solicitors, and am waiting to hear back. I'm going to make sure I choose one very carefully, one who knows about these matters, not just divorce. I'm quite certain the husband will buy a property, the last time I spoke to him (when he told me the FMH and its debt wasn't anything to do with him anymore) he said he wants his own place, I guess it will prevent him from having to shack up with any old woman that shows an interest in him just to have somewhere to live ha ha! At the end of the day, anything I get from him would be a bonus, but I'll give it my best shot that's for sure. I won't agree to anything with anyone without checking with you guys first, after all you're the only people I can trust because you have nothing to gain from it (except for a donation to the site)

Thank you King, that's was my thought, delay the divorce, at the very least if he starts proceedings any time soon it's going to look like exactly what is is, that he's now suddenly desperate to divorce me so I'm not entitled to anything. He's on his second relationship, the first one he was even engaged to (which everyone thought was hilarious as he's still married) up until March this year was still telling me he still loves me and might want to come back! That's not the case now since gf number two isn't a nut job like number 1 turned out to be, nor would I have him now, but it might be relevant in the battle to get anything I'm entitled to. So in short then, I shouldn't start or respond to any divorce proceedings, but I should seek legal advice and get a solicitor lined up with all the info ready to act?

I'm very confused, how can I ask for a share of something he hasn't got yet, at the moment he lives with a woman in her house, and is working on piddly little jobs, if I do anything now, I'll get 50% of nothing. Surely still being his wife whether he likes it or not gives me more claim when the time comes. I'm not the brightest at being devious so some help will be very appreciated

How bizarre, I had a letter this morning from the creditor with the big restriction (they're still referring to it as a charge) oddly enough just addressed to me, as if it's my debt!! They say they are writing under the regulators conduct of business to make me aware of the debt. I hope they sent him one too!!!! Does anyone think I should contact them (I have in the past, and I think that's why they've written because they don't know what's going on, they know he doesn't live here) and alert them that he's coming into money and will have interest in properties, or just keep quiet until he has?? I'm sorry to be a burden but just when I start to relax a bit, this pops through the letter box to remind me that I can't.