Aunt passed with no will no kin My mother is executor. A half nephew just appeared

[Jjjjjjjj]

3 months ago she passed. Her only family was my mom and 2 aunt's. My mother is executor, and has spent months going through this. Cleaning out her rat infested farm, among the typical executor duties. Her and my aunt's are beneficiaries and the inheritance is the light at the end of this horrible episode... But, a half nephew just appeared through a lawyer. My question is, can he swoop in and just take everything? I'm terrified my family is working themselves to insanity, and will get nothing for it.

[des8]

and condolences on the passing of your aunt.

Not clear from your post what the various relationships are but the priority order for inheritance if the deceased passed intestate is here on Part iv (v) of Administration of Estates Act 1925 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga...-16/23/part/IV
or here: https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will

PS I don't think cleaning out the rat infestation is necessarily included in the executor's duties

[dslippy]

You need to clarify the exact family tree/lineage. If a grant of letters of administration has been obtained then tis has been done once already. If somebody else has turned up it needs redoing - urgently but carefully.
It may be unlikely that he would have a claim, but you need to be absolutely sure.