Lending money to family member abroad

[Pomsky24]

We have lent over £15K to a family member in Europe who has been very ill. He does not have a will and although he says we will get our money back we are concerned if he dies we do not have a leg to stand on in claiming the money from his estate. He has a partner who he has been with for over 30 years I assume any monies will go to him but I doubt he would honour the debt. Can we make this family member get a will and confirm he owes us this money, he owes his father over £60K so his Dad is in a similar position?

[Setmefree3]

I could be wrong but in a word NO. You really should have had a document drawn up and signed between you, could have been done by fax,email etc. It doesn’t sound nice but it could be argued that you gave him the money without conditions. A will would be the choice of the family member and also made in sound mind.