Wills

[sherrardk]

If someone dies and leaves their assets to be divided equally amongst three parties what would be the fairest way to dispose of/divide up all the possessions, etc (obviously the money from the sale of the house and any other monies would just be divided equally). Thanks

[woofgang]

Honestly the "best way" is the way that all three people are happy with. Sit down and discuss and agree this first, if you feel you need to, write it down and sign it.

[CheekyChops]

When my grandmother died, my mum, her brother and sister drew straws to see who went 'first'. They then took it in turns to pick an item that they would like - like jewellery, furniture etc. That way it was fair.

[sherrardk]

I just wondered what other people thought was fair as my grandfather's estate is to be divided between my two aunts with my mothers share (she also died recently) being divided amongst her children. My aunts appear to be stripping the house and giving the stuff to their children, etc and my siblings are very upset about it. My aunts telephone one of my sisters and try to 'have it out' with her and she has had enough (just wants it all to go away) and I have said for her to tell them to phone me if they want a 'discussion' about things.

[woofgang]

okay....did the will go to probate? if it did, then a value will have been set on everything and a list made...that might help you to get this sorted.

[sherrardk]

He only died 3 weeks ago but it all seems a bit grabby to me (I don't want anything - he could have given it to the dogs home if he had wanted to) - it's just it's upsetting my siblings (who have lost their mam and grandad in the space of six weeks) and as the oldest I wanted to step up to the mark (protect them if you like) but wondered what I should suggest would be fair. My father is one of the executors but obviously he is still in bits about my mother (I am too but I have reached the angry stage now).

[dzug2]

The fairest way is that the items are sold and the money divided.

If someone wants a particular item they buy it from the estate. If two people want it then they bid.

Probate isn't going to list every item - the account probably said something like 'house contents £nnnn' - just one figure.

So if the three parties weren't given any of the contents they can ask to be given a third of the probate value.

Maybe in the greater scheme of things something just to keep quiet about.

[thugulike]

I have a friend in Holland who, when his mother died, put a fair price on all her belongings then allowed the rest of the family to purchase what they wanted. The cash went into the kitty and was divided equally. This seemed very fair to me.