Will I inherit?
Question
My aunt made a will in 1991, leaving some money to my mother. Sadly, my mum died recently, just months before my aunt, so who gets the inheritance? Am I entitled to it?
Answer
Unless your aunt set out in her will what would happen to the cash should your mother die before her, the sum in question must now go back into her estate.
Any money like this that is left over, after debts, taxes costs and other gifts have been paid out, is known as the residue. Unfortunately, without provision in your aunt's will, you won't be entitled to the share that had been earmarked for your mother.
It may not be the news you wanted to hear, but it does highlight the importance of covering all eventualities in your own will and reviewing it regularly over time.
Updated: 22/01/2009
Question answered by CAB
