How can I be sure that my friends wishes

[in a mo]

My friend is 90 ,his wish is that all his estate goes to charity ,On person is executor of the will he also holds all financial records going back over many years ,How can one be sure that the estate is dealt with as per the wishes and not fraudulently taken .
I would be grateful for any advice or ideas ,
There is a very large sum of money involved .

[smart1]

Is the will lodged with a solicitor?

[brenda]

Would he make you an executor as well ?

[dzug2]

You can't - it's none of your business.

You can be quite sure the charity will take a <<very>> close interest though and go through things with a fine toothcomb if they think there is the slightest hint of impropriety. Getting your friend to lodge a copy of the will with them might be an idea.

[in a mo]

SMART 1 No I think the same person holds all relevant documents
BRENDA No as he belives his wishes will be carried out
dzug2 I wish to make it my busness the charity would have no idea regards the contents of the will .
JonnyBoy12 What does have to do with this very serious matter.

[chrissa1]

Not very funny jonnyboy!

[tamborine]

If your friend reciprocates trust to you he could give you a copy of the will.

[Barmaid]

I appreciate your concern - since english probate is one of the largest unregulated areas of financial dealings. However, I hope I can put your mind at rest to some extent.

Seeing as it is a large sum of money, a Grant of Probate will be needed in order to release the majority of the assets (bank accounts, shares, real property). When the executor applies for the Grant he has to fill in a form for the Inland Revenue. This has to detail all the assets and liabilities of the deceased. HMRCS are known to do random spot checks and in any event the district valuer will likely be involved if there is real property or other unusual assets (ie works of art).

Once Probate has been granted, Charity X will be notified by an agency at the Probate Registry (just about all charities use the services of an agency which notifies them of every Will in which they are named). Charity X will then request a copy of the Will and assets and liabilities.

Because there is a high degree of care placed on charity trustees, most medium to large charities employ "Legacy Officers". They are normally extremely experienced (and more often than not lawyers) who will keep a very close eye on the estate. I know of several charity legacy officers who have been personally responsible for uncovering substantial fraud simply because of their experience in this area.

[in a mo]

BARMAID Many thanks for your input ,I have put a drink for you behind the Bar,I will take my time and try to get to grips with the information you have provided ,I shall keep in touch via these pages.A very strange event has taken place where the gentleman was looking to move into a Residential Home now the latest consideration
is ,his finantial advisor has taken him to view apartments to purchase, no services provided ,no views ,so he goes from a beautiful bungalow, lovely views ,friends who look out for him to a flat.which is unfurnished .I smell a Rat.