Looking for some advice.
My friend was estranged from her family (parents, siblings) and divorced from her husband.
She hasn't seen either her husband or children for a year or two (apart from by accident, complex reasons of domestic abuse, controlling manipulative husband etc) and hasn't lived with them for a couple of years either. Has her own place, changed her name by deed poll and no joint accounts etc.
It was really important to her that her children (aged under 18) and ex husband / family get nothing from her estate (tho I'm guessing there won't be a large estate, just the principle).
In her will, it doesn't say anyone is excluded, but clearly states everything is left to a non family friend who supported her during troubled times.
Reading on-line it seems that her husband (if he hasn't started a new marriage or civil relationship) could still claim, is this true?
Also, as her children are under 18 then they could too.
Any advice to help us ensure her wishes (however they seem to an outsider) are honored?
We're wandering whether it's worthwhile employing probate / legal services or doing it ourselves?
Thanks in advance.
My friend was estranged from her family (parents, siblings) and divorced from her husband.
She hasn't seen either her husband or children for a year or two (apart from by accident, complex reasons of domestic abuse, controlling manipulative husband etc) and hasn't lived with them for a couple of years either. Has her own place, changed her name by deed poll and no joint accounts etc.
It was really important to her that her children (aged under 18) and ex husband / family get nothing from her estate (tho I'm guessing there won't be a large estate, just the principle).
In her will, it doesn't say anyone is excluded, but clearly states everything is left to a non family friend who supported her during troubled times.
Reading on-line it seems that her husband (if he hasn't started a new marriage or civil relationship) could still claim, is this true?
Also, as her children are under 18 then they could too.
Any advice to help us ensure her wishes (however they seem to an outsider) are honored?
We're wandering whether it's worthwhile employing probate / legal services or doing it ourselves?
Thanks in advance.
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