Legal Question in Legal Ethics in United Kingdom
Is it correct for a lawyer to find a relative over the internet to fulfil a will
A lawyer recently contacted me through email, telling me that he found my email address because a man with the same last name had died and his son (who the will was left too) had also passed away. He is claiming that I am able to take the property left because of our last names are the same. Is this correct and moral? And is it possible, that although I have no knowledge of this man and I being related that I would be able to inherit his estate and monies left to his deceased son?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Is it correct for a lawyer to find a relative over the internet to fulfil a
Yes, it is possible to inherit without having known the man. And if it is all in line with the law, there is nothing immoral or illegal about it. However, it is more likely that you would be contacted 'out of the blue' when your name is Count of Monte Christo than when it is Smith...
Also, under normal circumstances, it would be rather unusual that a lawyer (what is his role in this?) would contact you through e-mail (formal communication tends to be undertaken on paper). As a first step, I would suggest requesting the basis of his authority and ask for a proper letter setting out his authority, details about the estate and the alleged source of your entitlement.
In case of further doubts, please note that all solicitors in England & Wales are regulated by the Law Society (www.lawsociety.org.uk). They will be able to help you further.
With kind regards,
Volker Hirsch
Rechtsanwalt (Germany)
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