When the council in Bournemouth first reached out to our team, they were grappling with an estate saga that had more twists and turns than anyone could have anticipated.
This story, which ultimately centred around the estates of the Scott family (with names changed to protect privacy), is a prime example of why probate and estate management require expertise, persistence, and the invaluable support of resources like The National Will Register.
Where it all began
The initial enquiry wasn’t about a multi-generational estate. It was a single case tied to Paul Scott (pseudonym), a son who passed away in 2020 from COVID-19, aged 64. Paul died without leaving a will, which often signals a long and complicated process ahead. Bournemouth Council had uncovered some initial details, including Paul’s connection to an empty property, and turned to us for help.
What unfolded next revealed a tangled web of unresolved estates spanning decades. Paul’s parents, Ian and Daisy Scott, had passed away years earlier, but part of their estate hadn’t been properly administered. Both parents’ assets – including two properties valued at over £500,000 in total – had remained untouched for nearly 15 years.
Adding to the complexity was Paul’s surviving brother, Ewan, who was living in one of the properties but was unwilling to handle their parents’ estate. With mounting inheritance tax (and accumulating interest), an unmapped family dynamic, and questions of ownership, it became clear that this wasn’t a straightforward case.
Piecing together the puzzle
Our first step was to locate a will, and the process highlighted just how integral The National Will Register is in cases like this. By conducting a thorough search, we located Ian’s will with a firm in Hastings. The discovery clarified one key detail that would move this case from a standstill to progress: Ian had left his estate to his two sons, Ewan and Paul.
With this new information, we set to work on the sequence of probate applications necessary to deal with not one but three estates. Here’s how it played out:
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Paul’s probate
Before any decisions could be made about Ian and Daisy’s estates, we had to apply for probate for Paul since he had passed most recently. This was pivotal to determining how his estate, and therefore his portion of his parents’ estate, would be managed.
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Ian’s probate
Once Paul’s probate was secured, we turned to Ian’s estate. Ordinarily, Ewan would have been the logical executor as the surviving son. However, given his unwillingness to engage with the process, we presented evidence to the probate registry, arguing that Paul’s widow, Kelly, should instead administer the estate.
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Managing the assets
Among the key assets were two properties:
- A house in Bournemouth valued at £230,000 with no title deeds. We initiated the lengthy first-registration process to establish ownership.
- A property in Hastings, worth £285,000, where Ewan was currently living. Once probate was granted, Ewan would face a decision – to buy out Kelly’s share or vacate the property so it could be sold and the proceeds split.
Challenges along the way
It became increasingly apparent that the delay in settling Ian and Daisy’s estate had led to financial repercussions. Not only was inheritance tax due, but substantial interest had accrued over the years. While some reliefs could be applied, the situation underscored the importance of timely estate administration.
Navigating the familial dynamics proved another significant hurdle. Ewan’s refusal to engage with the process extended the timeline and added emotional weight to an already complex case. Clear, decisive communication was essential to ensuring fair outcomes for both Ewan and Kelly.
The role of The National Will Register
One of the defining moments in this case was the discovery of Ian’s will through The National Will Register. Without it, the pathway to resolving this estate would have been significantly less clear, potentially extending the already lengthy timeline.
This case is proof that a robust will search can prevent critical oversights, clarify intentions, and provide a foundation for resolving even the most intricate estate cases.
This story, which ultimately centred around the estates of the Scott family (with names changed to protect privacy), is a prime example of why probate and estate management require expertise, persistence, and the invaluable support of resources like The National Will Register.
Moving forwards
At the time of writing, probate for Ian’s estate has been applied for, and steps are being taken to liquidate the properties. Ewan must now decide whether to secure his share or vacate the Sittingbourne property.
Ultimately, what began as a simple enquiry unveiled layers of complexities, including inactive estates, incomplete administration, and evolving family dynamics. Yet, with every hurdle, the case reaffirmed our commitment to untangling even the most intricate estates, guided by expertise and resources like The National Will Register.
Sometimes, it’s not just about solving the case at hand. It’s about paving the way for closure, clarity, and a fair resolution for all involved. This was one such story, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role wills play in safeguarding legacies and easing the process for loved ones.
If you’re dealing with an unresolved estate or need help locating a will, get in touch with The National Will Register. We’re here to help you every step of the way.