Hi, my wife and I have made joint wills leaving all assets to each other, then on the death of the surviving spouse the estate to be divided equally to each of 4 grown up children ( 2 each from former marriages). So far so good.
We have not mentioned grandchildren at all in the will. Plus there are unequal numbers and sadly with one party, we are completely estranged from 3 of the grandchildren.
If any child was to pre-decease us would their share of the estate go to their children or their wife or partner? Or does being predeceased end all legal interest unless we specify the grandchildren are now to take their share? ie if one child dies before us would the estate then just be split 3 ways leaving out grandchildren?
If so we will need to make arrangements for the grandchildren but how can we ensure estranged, or illegitimate children who we have never met, do not inherit?