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I'm so sorry for your loss, this must be a very difficult time for everyone.
Can you tell me if your friend left a will or not?
Can you tell me if the property was owned just by her or by her and her husband?
Thank you for the information. It will depend if she has a valid will or not. A valid will executed abroad should be considered valid in the UK if it covers UK assets and is signed and witnessed in the presence of two adults (that are not beneficiaries or related to beneficiaries of the will).
If there is no valid will, her estate (including all property and assets) would pass to her husband by default.
Of course there is room for negotiation here, if this is the case. Her separated husband should also be reasonable about what is in the best interests of the children and not simply be after money.
But according to law, if the will is valid - then her wishes will be followed. If not, her husband inherits.
Can I clarify anything more about the legal position for you?
I didn't hear from you again, but I trust that the information provided was of assistance. Once again I am so sorry for your loss. I know the family will appreciate the help you are trying to offer.
Thank you for your enquiry today. I am happy to answer follow-up questions - please do get in touch with requests for extra information or further queries and I will do my best to help you. You can request me personally on a new question thread saving my profile as one of your preferred experts and by tagging me (@PLCLEGAL) at the start of the new thread. Best wishes, Peter.
A parent remains legally responsible for their child until the are 18. However, a 16 year old can make a lot of decisions, for example about where they live, by themselves.
Certain decisions need parental approval, such as to marry before 18, but in practice a 16 year old can make their day to day decisions on their own.
I hope that this helps.
Hello again. Would you be so kind as to post this as a new question, marked for my attention (plclegal)?