Man’s will found in draft form on computer ruled to be valid
July 25th 2022The High Court has ruled that a man’s will that existed only in draft form on a computer, but which was signed by two reliable witnesses, should be accepted as valid. Rebecca Armstrong Associate Solicitor in our Will Claims team reports on this recent case. This is a highly unusual decision because generally, the original will, signed in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time, must be produced after death in…
Dementia sufferer was aware of his actions so his will was valid
May 26th 2022An elderly farmer who suffered from dementia understood what he was doing when he changed his will shortly before his death and so the alterations should be accepted as representing his true wishes. David Tew, Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. That was the decision of the Court of Appeal in a case involving a dispute between members of the same family. In 2005 the farmer executed a will leaving…
‘Unwanted’ son claims share of late father’s estate from niece
April 21st 2022The son of a car and property magnate has successfully sued his niece to gain a share of his late father’s estate and avoid becoming homeless. Stephanie Johnson Senior Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. Colin Johnston was the son of Sidney Johnston, who died in 2017 leaving a £2.4 million estate to Colin’s niece, Lady Natalie Wackett. The father and son had fallen out in 1992 after a breakdown…
Voice UK star wins inheritance dispute with her viscount brother
March 7th 2022The aristocratic singer and TV star Bo Bruce has won a court battle against her brother Thomas Brudenell-Bruce, Viscount Savernake, over their inheritance after their mother died. Rebecca Armstrong Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. Bruce, whose full title is Lady Catherine Anna Brudenell-Bruce, was a runner up on the TV series, The Voice and has had chart success with the top 10 album, Before I Sleep. She and her…
Man’s second wife fails to stop his son inheriting family home
February 8th 2022A man’s second wife has failed to prevent his son inheriting the family home after he died. Stephanie Johnson Senior Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The husband had married his first wife in 1988 and their son was born shortly afterwards. He worked overseas during the early 2000s, where he formed a relationship with a second woman who lived in the Philippines. He separated from his wife and the…
