How do I renounce a claim on my dead husband's estate in the UK

[Maria1965]

I married 12 years ago and left my husband 2 years later after terrible treatment at the hands of him and his family. I ran away and never approached him for a divorce.

I found out last week that he died some time ago leaving 3 children. As we did not divorce it appears that I am set to inherit his estate.

I don't want his money or assets. I would like to know how to renounce my claim on the estate. I would also like to know if I can do this without his family finding out where I am living now.

Thanks in advance
Maria

[woofgang]

Did he leave any kind of will? How do you know he has died?

[jaydah]

Ask his solicitors to draw up an Affidavit of Renunciation to his estate for Executors and yourself to sign. Keep your copy safely in case you are later sued by his dependants.

Are you named as sole beneficiary in his Will or did he die intestate?

[Maria1965]

Thanks for your answers. I forgot to say that he did not leave a will, which is why I have ended up inheriting. Is it possible for me to get an Affidavit of Renunciation to his estate drawn up that I can then have sent to the family's solicitor?
Thanks in advance
Maria

[jaydah]

Hire your own solicitor to draw same up for you - charged to husband's estate.

[crystalbee27]

hang on -if he died 'some time ago' has no-one made any attempt to find you? -are we talking months or years? -you do not automatically inherit his assets as his wife - if he made a will leaving everything to the mother of his children, or his children, then they will inherit his estate.