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…
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…
The Pitfalls of DIY Wills: Why Seeking Professional Advice Matters
February 12th 2024In a world flooded with advertisements for affordable DIY Wills and packs, the allure of saving money can be tempting. However, the real question is, do these DIY solutions truly save you money? Rebecca Armstrong, Associate Solicitor in our Will Dispute Team, reports on the pitfalls of DIY Wills. The Cheap Appeal The market is awash with ‘premium’ DIY Will packs priced as low as £7.99. Testators simply fill in the…
Concern over rise in predatory marriages that automatically revoke a Will
February 9th 2024Many individuals don’t appreciate that marriage automatically revokes any existing Will. The Law Society has expressed concern about the increasing problem of predatory marriages in which someone marries to exploit their new spouse’s wealth. Rebecca Armstrong, Associate Solicitor, reports. A recent Law Society survey revealed that a significant number of solicitors have encountered clients whom they suspect are in a predatory marriage. There is therefore a growing call for legal reform…
