What happens when inheritor is deceased?

Usually, in America, the heirs of the deceased heir receive that person's share.

HOWEVER, I strongly suggest you consult with an attorney well-versed in Trusts and Estates, in case there is something in the will which would prevent that, or something in the tax laws which would decrease the estate significantly.

Thanks so much for your reply jespah, much appreciated. I am actually in UK. Maybe I'm posting on the wrong forum here possibly... oops.

All I know is that the 2 siblings of my mother say that it will either be split 3 ways and we will receive our mothers share, or that just THEY will receive it all (half and half). I have no reason not to trust them, but was very worried it might go to the husband of my mother who was a scammer. I know that my grandma put all 3 of her children in her will but am unsure what my mother had in hers.

I'll take your advice and see someone if I can, thanks.

I meant to add - I'm sorry for your loss. Dealing with an estate on top of the rest of it is no fun at all.

In general, under British law, if a beneficiary dies between the point when the will was made and the death of the testator, the beneficiary’s estate will usually have no benefit from the will. If the beneficiary has died before the testator (the person making the will), the benefit is said to have lapsed, BUT a gift in a will to a child or remoter issue of the testator or testatrix will not lapse if the dead beneficiary leaves issue (children) who are alive at the testator’s death. This does not apply where the gift is a life interest.

You need to see a solicitor.

I think they would get 50% each (of their mother's one-third share).

Thanks so much centrox, this is very useful to know. It is a difficult time, and we have not had much to do with the financial side so thought we'd better ask on here as my mother's siblings seem unsure. I'll let the forum know when it all goes through in case it helps someone with a similar situation.

Many thanks again,

Thanks jespah