Questions for lawyers Found 20

My sibling and I are the only beneficiaries under our mother’s will, and we are meant to share everything equally, but we cannot agree on how to divide her belongings and who should keep the house. What happens if beneficiaries cannot agree?

My father made a new will only months before he passed, at a time when his memory was failing badly and he was heavily medicated. The new will strongly favours one sibling. Can this be challenged? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

I have been named executor in my aunt’s will and I am told I need to get probate before I can deal with her bank accounts and property. I have never done this before. What is probate and how do I apply?

My grandfather wrote a short note before he passed away, expressing how he wanted his belongings divided, but it was not witnessed and looks informal. Can this be treated as a valid will? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.

My father remarried a few years before he died, without updating his old will, which left everything to me and my siblings. Does the new marriage affect the old will, and what does his new wife inherit?

A distant relative has passed away and I am not sure whether they left a will or who might have a copy. I would like to know if I am mentioned as a beneficiary. How would I go about finding this out? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.

My mother passed away and left almost everything to my sibling, giving me only a token amount. I helped care for her for years and feel this is unfair. Can I challenge the will, and on what basis? I am not sure where to start or who I should be contacting about this.

My partner and I own our house as joint tenants, and I am wondering what happens to the property when one of us dies. Does it automatically pass to the survivor, or does it form part of the deceased’s estate?

I want to leave my estate to my two young children in my will, but I am concerned about them receiving a large amount of money at eighteen. Can I set up something that manages the inheritance until they are older?

My aunt’s will names the same two people as executors and trustees, and I am not sure what the difference is or whether it matters. Could you explain the roles and why the distinction might be important?