An elderly relative died two months ago, but one of the beneficiaries (who would have inherited 25% of the estate) predeceased her by one week.
Unfortunately, there was no clause in the Will that said what should be done in this event, so that share of the estate is now
considered Intestate. (Please excuse me if I am not using quite the right wording, but hopefully you will get the gist.)
If I understand correctly, only direct descendants can now inherit that share. If there are none who are close enough, that share will go to the crown
The deceased had never had siblings or children, so the person dealing with the Will has asked if she had aunts and uncles, and if we were able to supply a list, possibly a family tree, showing the relationships.
As it happens, I have been researching our extended family tree for over a year now, so I do have a lot of information available, though there are a few gaps, and I can't be 100% sure that my findings are absolutely accurate.
Obviously, because of my late aunt's age, all her aunties and uncles have been dead for many years, as, I believe, have most or all of their children, her cousins (I found death records for all but one).
What I am really unsure of is how far down the chain this can go. Can the children of her deceased cousins inherit in their place?
If so, that is where it will become very complicated and, I suspect, expensive, as I have not been able to find many records at all for that generation, but presumably it would have to be researched by someone.
I would be really grateful if anyone can clarify for me exactly how far down the line an inheritance can pass under the rules of intestacy, and also for any advice on how best to proceed.
Many thanks if you have taken the time to read this.
