Contesting A Will
Our client had lived with her partner, a wealthy businessman, for about five years before his sudden death. They had had no permanent base and travelled together around the world staying in hotels or rented apartments. The partner was divorced from the mother of his two children and generous provision had been made for the ex-wife on divorce, although the deceased had continued to be obliged to maintain the children.
Our client had worked before her relationship with the deceased had commenced however the Deceased persuaded her to give up work and he promised to support her financially, which he did by paying her a substantial monthly allowance in addition to paying accommodation and other living expenses. The deceased's estate was in excess of £10 million. The deceased's Will left nothing to our client but made provision for the Deceased's children as well as leaving legacies of £1 million each to other family members who were not in any way financially dependent upon the deceased. The deceased's family was hostile to our client and resistant to her receiving anything from his estate.
Our client sought to contest the Will and claimed that reasonable financial provision should be made for her under the provisions of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. At mediation we were successful in negotiating a substantial settlement for our client to enable her to purchase a flat and to start her own business venture.
If you are involved in a will dispute or need further information about contesting a will, please visit our Will, Trust & Estate Disputes section
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