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…
Judge upholds Will of grandfather who left £50 to five of his grandchildren
July 5th 2024Gowing, St Marseille, Higginbotham, Ward, Pett v Ward and Wiltshire Selina Gonzalez Associate Solicitor in our Will Dispute team reports: Frederick Ward Senior died in 2020 at 91 years old, leaving behind his two children, Terry and Susan. The Deceased also had a third child, Fred, who had died some 5 years before his father. When Fred Senior died, it was discovered that he had chosen not to leave anything in his…
Will Disputes: Using a Caveat to Prevent a Grant of Probate
June 18th 2024The death of a loved one can be a deeply emotional and stressful time. When coupled with concerns about the validity of their Will, the situation can become even more challenging. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to protect your interests if you find yourself questioning the legitimacy of a Will. One such step is entering a Caveat. Rebecca Armstrong, Senior Associate Solicitor in our Will and Inheritance Dispute…
The Rise of Unmarried Cohabitation and Blended Families
April 29th 2024Once considered unconventional, unmarried cohabitation and blended families have become a mainstream lifestyle choice for many. Shifting societal attitudes towards marriage, economic considerations and a desire for personal autonomy and flexibility in relationships result in more couples opting to live together before or instead of getting married. Rebecca Armstrong, Senior Associate Solicitor in our Will and Inheritance Dispute Team, reports on the rise of unmarried cohabitation and blended families. Unlike married…
