inheritance

[slnwhyte]

I am no longer with my daughters father and we were never married, however he has been paying maintenance every month which I depend on. He is now dying of cancer and as i understand there is no money for my child until she is 25. He has recently married and she will inherit everything else. I need this money to survive. Can I contest the will and would I be able to have access to something to support his child after his death. Surely she must be entitled to something now.

[ursula62]

Contact a solicitor ASAP. Inheritance matters are very complex and emotive.

[Hgrove]

Yes, you must act fast.  If the inheritance is handed to the wife, even if it is later established that something is due to you/your daughter, it will be very difficult to extract it back (she may move abroad, etc.).  Contact a solicitor, and don't be afraid to "shop around" for a sympathetic solicitor who's got time for you.  Or try a CAB or law centre first.  I don't know if you or your daughter have any claim, but if a claim is possible, speed will be of the essence.

[Markandshez]

Whilst I agree with the previous comments I would also point out that money paid is for your daughter not you. "I need this money to survive" ? The gentleman has no duty to support you either now or after his death. Your daughter may or may not have a claim. If he has paid maintenance up to now it is reasonable to guess he will have made provision in his will for his daughter. You have no right to contest his will. If he has recently married it is only correct that his wife will inherit.

This may be hard on you but he is NOT supporting you and after death, he cannot be expected to support his daughter. The fact that it would appear he has made provision for her when she reaches 25 is probably an indication that he thinks any monies given to his daughter now will probably end up with you which, withthe greatest respect, gives his no guarantee that it would benefit his daughter