Latest Legal Update on Contesting Wills
April 14th 2025If you’re involved in a Will dispute or wondering about the steps you can take to challenge a Will, the recent High Court decision in Addison & Anor v Niaz [2024] EWHC 3124 (Fam) is an important one to understand. It shines a spotlight on Larke v Nugus requests — a powerful tool that helps clarify whether a will was created properly and fairly. Below we’ll break down what this…
Son successfully challenges his mother’s Will in claim over £700,000 estate
April 8th 2025In a case widely reported in the media in March 2025, John Baverstock pursued a claim against his sister Lisa Baverstock on the basis of video evidence produced by Lisa herself which showed Lisa placing a pen in their mother’s hand before guiding her hand to sign a Will (drafted by Lisa) with the effect that John stood to inherit nothing from their mother’s estate and Lisa to inherit the…
Pop star made a Will before major operation – but was it valid?
February 12th 2025Pop star Max George has described how he made his Will on his iPhone just before undergoing a lifesaving operation to have a pacemaker fitted. Rebecca Armstrong, Associate Solicitor, reports on this recent case. Thankfully, the operation was a complete success, and he is now in good health. Max, who has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said he thought of his girlfriend, actress Maisie Smith, 23, and his family and…
Wife awarded £45k after challenging her estranged husband’s Will
January 10th 2025A wife who was estranged from her husband has been awarded £45,000 from his estate after successfully challenging his Will. Rebecca Armstrong Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The High Court ruled that Jacqueline Syder, who remained legally married to her late husband, Calogero Palmeri, was entitled to financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The court heard that the couple married in 2011 after…
Crew v Oakley: Understanding Testamentary Capacity and Will Revocation
December 6th 2024Judgment Delivered: November 2024 The recent case of Crew v Oakley provides valuable insight into the legal principles surrounding Will revocation, testamentary capacity and the importance of professional guidelines in estate planning. This recent judgment addressed whether the Deceased, Ms Carry Keats, had the mental capacity to revoke her Will shortly before her death and highlights to complexities of such disputes. Case Summary Ms Carry Keats, aged 92, attempted to…
