My Sister was estranged from husband

[lyn1954]

For 25yrs plus, she died January 2011, her Husband has said because she died intestate that he will have her flat, Insurances and all her possessions, as her sister I feel that I should have the right to an inheritance of sorts, not that I really want the money or flat, it's a matter of principle; the probate paperwork hasn't been completed yet, I thought there would be a time limit on that, but because there is so much to inherit I think HE is trying to avoid inheritance tax by working around the valuation of property etc.
Do I have the right to inheritance? And how long do you get to do probate paperwork?

Sorry for such a complex post.

[lcg]

mmmm....if he is still married to your sister, you may have some problems claiming part of or the whole estate without a will. you'll certainly have to employ a solicitor if that is the route you wish to go down. you'll need good luck.

[starone]

How many more times are you going to ask this question under different headings? Sort it out!

[lcg]

in that case (ta, starbuck) - get some legal advice and stop asking us!!!! cor blimey, some people, eh?

[EDDIE51]

A similar case was on here a week or two ago. As they were never divorced the husband gets everything. Sorry, its unfair but that is how it is. All your sister would have had to do was to fill in the forms for a divorce with the fee of £18 , it is automatic after 7 years seperation, and he would have got nothing. In don't think inheritance tax applies in the case where the husband inherits from the wife or vice versa . It will apply when he dies though.

[starone]

I think you will find it is a repeat question eddie - just look at the profile for lyn1954.

[dzug2]

If the estate is above a certain value (£450K?) you may be entitled to some of it.

http://www.justice.go...ate/probate-guide.pdf

Probate takes as long as it takes. After a year you get the right to start chivvying.