Possible Inheritence

[yesterday]

I suspect that I may have been left some money in a will made by my father who lived in Canada, but I believe he may have died in America. He was left a lot of money by my step mother who died before him. It is only because my brother who has lived in Canada for many years, tampered with my mothers wishes in her will that I suspect that he may know more than he's telling me. I remember my mother saying to my brother that if he finds anything that half of it belongs to me. He told my mother he was searching for it. We don't speak to each other anymore (his choice not mine) so I can't really ask him outright. He avoids me like the plague. It is because he is so secretive and doesn't want to talk to me that I suspect foul play. How can I find out about my fathers will? Would the Bank of England or the Bank of Canada be able to help? I am by no means a wealthy woman and cannot afford a lot of money to find out. Any help would be greatly received. Its been playing on my mind and I would like to put this to bed once in for all.

[sandyRoe]

All wills are public records. If you knew where you father lived in Canada you could contact the Probate Office for that state and they might send you a copy of the will.

[dzug2]

I doubt if banks would be the slightest help.

The Probate Service in the Canadian province in which your father lived may be of help.

[factor-fiction]

I'm a bit confused. To help me understand this please could you clarify something for me.
You are talking about your Father's will but you also mention your Mother's wishes. I assume she is not married to your father as you refer to a step-mum who died before your Father. Is your Mother still alive, and could you clarify how her wishes fit into this?
Thanks

[buildersmate]

I thought the regulars would be quick off the mark on this one!
I spent a bit of time searching beyond the obvious and came up with the Vital Statistics Agency (interestingly named) where many Canadian wills are registered. See here.
http://www.cba.org/bc..._media/wills/178.aspx
That is of course if the will was made and hence registered in Canada.
How long ago did your father die? - is it likely that probate will have been granted, and was your brother the executor - or don't you know?

[buildersmate]

I should add that we do need to know which province he was in - since each one seems to work differently - as Dzug alludes to. Quebec, for example, is still based upon French law.

[yesterday]

Many thanks for your help. Factor30 there are two totally different wills for my father and mother. Its just that my brother was not honest about my mothers will, so I suspect he has something to hide a bout my father will.

[buildersmate]

So what would you help with now then? - finding where a copy of the will is lodged is presumably a priority? These are public documents once registered.

[dzug2]

Well if he wasn't honest about you mother's will and got caught out, maybe he will be reluctant to try it again?