We promised mum we’d sell the house and split the cash – now my sister won’t budge
DEAR DEIDRE: MY sister has broken her promise to our mum and now we are trapped in an endless probate battle.
I feel like I’ve lost her as well as my mother and I just want this nightmare to be over.
I’m 48 and my sister is 44.
Our mum died five years ago aged 73 but made us promise that when she was gone, we would sell her house and share the money.
A week after Mum’s death my sister said she didn’t want to sell the house, as she needed to live there.
She promised me rent but never paid it.
I spoke to a solicitor dealing in contentious probate, who told me I needed to go to court to force her to sell the house. But I can’t afford it, as the solicitors’ bills are already costing me a fortune.
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My sister has stopped speaking to me except to send horrible messages.
I can’t see an end in sight and this is making me feel so depressed.
DEIDRE SAYS: Sadly, a contested will or probate often drives a wedge through family relationships.
Your sister is not being fair and no doubt knows this, which is why she has blocked you out.
Mediation might help you reach an agreement more quickly, so do consider this. But I suspect you will need to pursue legal advice to settle this.
Contact citizensadvice.org.uk for free legal advice.
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