Elderly friend died...what happens to house

[amtc]

We had a very elderly family friend who died over a year ago. Her husband died many years ago. They had no children. She always promised the house to my aunt who lives abroad. My mam and my uncle had keys but couldn't find a will. At the funeral her nephew appeared...we never met him before. My mam and uncle and his wife called in daily. It's been a year now and my dad spotted a skip outside today. It's not like anyone from my family wants something out of it but I just wonder about this nephew...he didn't even know her married name. At a loss

 

[Gordon Gekko]

If she died intestate (i.e. without a Will), the rules of succession kick in; if the nephew is indeed the closest living relative, then he gets the house.

 

[Mags0709]

The succession act takes no account of whether you even met the relative you inherit from – let alone cared for them in their last few days.


No will – the next of kin inherits in this order


Spouse/civil partner

Children or grandchildren if unmarried

Parents if childless and unmarried

Sisters or brothers if parents dead

Nephews or nieces if no living brothers or sisters (blood line not by marriage)

etc