Bank Account not mentioned in will

[Rebekah]

Hi,
My Mother died last year and left a will. I inherit the property and my two sisters will receive the money (which is considerable) as residual beneficiaries. However I have found a small bank account in Mothers drawer with a note leaving it to me. One sister is understanding and told me to keep it quiet and just have it but the other sister is very hostile and belligerent. As I am the executor for my mothers estate, the second sister has made my life hell throughout the process and not sure what to do about this account. The account is not mentioned in the will and although my 'nice' sister says I shouldn't mention it, I also don't want to get into trouble. Should I keep it quiet or let the other sister know about it and just hope she doesn't insist on claiming for herself?

[atticus]

My advice is to deal with it in accordance with the terms of the Will. The money should be distributed to your sisters.

Any other course involves you not complying with the terms of your executor's oath, as well as the obvious consequences for relations with your siblings.

[des8]

If you do not distriute the assets as required by the will, but keep some for yourself, you could be accused of theft.
If one sister is willing for you to have her share she could write a letter of variation allowing you to keep her share.

[Rebekah]

Thanks for your replies