NSW Grandfather's Will - Should I Have Been Contacted?

[caitlin McFadden]

Hi, my grandfather passed away 1.5 years ago. He informed me that I had many left to me. However I haven't been contacted by anyone about the deceased estate or his will. Should I have been contacted and if so what should I do. I'm worried information is being withheld from me?

 

[Tim W]

1. First thing you need to find out is whether or not there was a valid will
   (you may hear this called "a grant of probate").
   
   If he died after 21 January 2013, then you may be able to search for it here.
   If earlier than that date, then you may find it helpful to contact
   the NSW Supreme Court Probate Registry on 1300 679 272.
   
   Note that the court will not tell you the contents of a will over the phone.
   But they should be able to help you find out who the Executor is.
   
   Once you know who the Executor is, then you ask them directly about the contents of the will.
   
   
2. On the other hand, if the person dies without a valid will,
   then a thing called the Intestacy Rules applies.
   In such cases, what the deceased may have said while alive
   doesn't matter all that much, because there is a statutory formula that applies.
   A good source of information about intestacy is here.