My father left my mother over a year ago and has disappeared without trace. The house is in his name only. Could he sell it without my mother’s consent, or could he leave the house in his will to someone outside the family? If my father doesn’t reappear, will my mother ever be able to sell the house?
Your mother should see a solicitor urgently in order to register her matrimonial home rights. The house couldn’t then be sold, and she would be notified if an attempt were made to transfer ownership via your father’s will. Although the house is in your father’s name your mother would most likely be entitled to a share if they come to divorce. The solicitor will probably engage a tracing agency to track your father down.