Wills in the UK - period of validity

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 11:25

Any clever people out there who could answer this question. If a will is found after the deceased has been dead for say 20 years, is the will still valid? In this example the estate consisted of a property, it was always assumed that the widow inherited it as it was the family home. The will has now been found and the father's half was willed to his two daughters. After all this time can they still claim their rightful inheritances?

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 13:19

A will is valid until you die (obviously), provided you don't make a new one, or marry.

The previous one is then invalid, unless the matters in the previous will are not covered in a new will, then both can be aplicable. For example, if you leave a house to someone in an original will, then do not mention the house in a subsequent will, the original will will be applied for the house.

However, upon enactment, the statute oif limitation would apply.

Check up on 'statute of limitation' law, it's generally 6 years, but 12 for some matters (longer for certain torte matters).

If it's been through probabte, then the order of the court would stand.

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
05/09/2011 11:25

Thanks Yrret for your thoughts on the subject. Will do as you suggest and if necessary will seek advice form a solicitor in UK. Thanks.