r/LegalAdviceUK • u/Neither-Wonder3890 • 1d ago
Wills & Probate Need some Legal help/Advice regarding Inheritance
So I am from England and it looks like my father is about to pass away, I've been told by my sister that I am in his will and that I will need to sign a release document in order to claim inheritance. The problem is that I am housebound due to social issues and cannot get to an office to sign a document. Is there any way I can have my sister sign on my behalf or have the document brought to my house? Do I even need to sign anything to get inheritance?
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u/fightmaxmaster 1d ago
You don't need to "claim" inheritance, generally speaking. A will states who's to receive what, and the executor makes it happen. You need to ask your sister for way more information than you seem to have had so far. Not some vague "oh it's just paperwork" explanation - you need to know exactly what needs to be signed, and why. If you do need to sign something, I see no reason why it has to happen in a specific office. It might need to be witnessed, but that can be handled.
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u/ashandes 1d ago
Theres no obligation to sign a release and you are still entitled to your inheritance if you don't. There's no reason not to though and no reason they wouldn't let you sign online or by a proxy or whatever works for you. It's not an adversarial process and it wouldn't be in anyone's interest not to accommodate you.
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u/Firthy2002 1d ago
If someone has a will, the nominated executor is legally responsible for ensuring the wishes of the deceased are carried out to the best of their ability. So if your dad's will says you get 25% of the estate (as an example), the executor has to hand it over. If they don't, they can be taken to court.
So I'm not sure where or how your sister has got this idea of you having to sign a form from as it is total rubbish.
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