We are a family who has always written thank you letters. I had a similar situation when my sister died. My brother-in-law had employed a Will writer for him and my sister to have similar wills. He died before my sister and when my sister died I discovered (total surprise) that I was executor of her will. I was horrified to find that her estate had been divided 4 ways, myself, my daughter, my BIL’s niece and nephew (who never even sent as much as a Christmas card previously) who didn’t attend either funerals. I carried out the will to the letter. I received a brief letter of thanks from the niece, but not a word from the nephew, even though I knew the cheque had been cashed. I’m sure that my sister would have been upset about her will, but my BIL was very controlling.