Mothers Will

[Richie274]

My mother recently passed away, following the death of my father some months ago.
My sister is NOK and has dealt with all my parents affairs.

As a family we have not communicated for the past 2-3 years. I was not invited to either of my parents funerals.

I do not know if there is a will.

Can anyone advise me please:
A) how do i find out if there is a will and can I see it?
B)if there is no will what legal right if any do I have over my parents estate?

Theses are difficult times and I would appreciate any advice

Thank you

[Buenchico]

Once probate has been granted a will becomes a public document which anyone can obtain a copy of. By entering a 'standing search' with the Probate Registry you'll automatically get a copy of the grant of probate (which includes a copy of the will) as soon as that grant is issued:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/standing-searches

If there is no will, the rules of intestacy will apply. See here:
https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will
Note that, unless your mother's estate was very small (and her affairs uncomplicated) it will be necessary for someone to apply for 'letters of administration' to enable them to distribute the estate without a will. You and your sister (and any other siblings) have equal rights when it comes to applying for letters of administration. (i.e. either/any of you can make the application, either solely or jointly). Such an application should be made to the Probate Registry covering the area where your mother lived:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/probate-registries

[Peter Pedant]

Richie I am sorry you have lost both parents in such a short time

You should also read the rules for your fathers death:
if he left a will you my have some rights
and if he didnt leave a will ( intestate ) you may also have some rights - I think if the estate was over 250k

There is no reason why you should not write to your sister and ask what the position is.

also ake you way thro all the wills posts here
Bueno Chic gives advice when and if required and the whole lot adds up to good advice which you may find applies to you

[Old_Geezer]

Of course, depending on the other family members, one might want to get an inventory of what the deceased left before the opportunity arises to salt favoured items away. That is if you are concerned about that sort of thing, you may decide you are above worrying about such things.

[factor-fiction]

Sorry at your loss, Richie. I am not sure what you mean by NOK (next of Kin). Are you not also a 'next of kin'. Has your sister been granted authority to ask as execetor and has she been given probate? I think you may also be able to apply to be an executor

[Peter Pedant]

FF is correct under the facts given

but not what they questions asked

BUT b ) you have a right to apply for letters of administration if your mother died intestate ( and ditto for your father's )