Death of ex husband

[Roberto154]

Where to start?
Daughter (14) lived with the father who has recently died suddenly. Ex in laws are saying the mother of the daughter is in charge of the estate.

Do we need to instruct a solicitor to sort the financials out and where does the money go? no will in place.

How does this all work? help please.

[Sam101]

So sorry to hear of your loss. The mother of the daughter cannot just say she is in charge unless she has been appointed by the Father in his Will. Is there a living wife or partner?

Do you know if the Father made a Will and if so, who are the executors? If no Will has been made then an application will need to be made for Letters of Administration.

[des8]

OP states "no will in place"

As he died intestate there is a hierarchy of those entitled to apply for a grant of letters of administration

1)Surviving spouse or civil partner
2)Sons or daughters
3)Parents
4)Brothers or sisters
More distant relatives come after this.

Estate distributed in a similar fashion which basically is:
first £270,000 to spouse or civil partner
Anything over £270,000 split 50% to spouse/50% to children

If unmarried 100% to children
If no children then to parents, then siblings & then other blood relatives in order

[Sam101]

Is the Mother of the daughter your Partner now?

The most important matter here is the protection of the Daughter who seems to have had an upsetting time in the family break up and it would be helpful to know where you and the Daughters Mother fit in, and if the Daughter has any brothers or sisters.

In any event, this is a case where a solicitor should be asked to help manage the Probate of the Father and the inheritance as your daughter us under age and a Trust needs to be set up correctly to avoid serious problems at a later date.