Musician's Assets Valued At Over £2 Million

Reports that blues guitarist Gary Moore may not have left a Will have put a spotlight on the issues which can arise for families after a loved one passes away, says a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in contested Wills.

According to the media, records have shown that the estate of the former Thin Lizzy musician, who died of a heart attack earlier this year, is valued at over £2 million.

However, it is not yet known if he left a will outlining his wishes in the event of his death, which means his girlfriend, three children and two former wives may have potentially been left without any guidance over how his assets should be distributed.

Irwin Mitchell’s Will, Trust and Estate Disputes Team help a number of families who have been affected by such issues, representing them as they consider their claims over assets they believe they are entitled to.

Adam Draper, an Associate Solicitor specialising in contested Wills, says: “The complexity of this case hinges on the fundamental issue of whether a Will has been left and demonstrates the issues that can arise where a person has died intestate, i.e. without a Will.

“If there is no Will and the person who has died is divorced and unmarried at the time of death, his estate would be divided in equal parts between their children, although in this case the girlfriend would be entitled to make a claim if they had lived together for two years prior to his death and she was financially dependent on him.

“However, if there is a Will the case changes completely. For example, if the children or girlfriend are not named they could bring a claim under the Inheritance Act, as may his former wives if they have not remarried.

“Ultimately, the possible outcomes all depend on the presence of a Will. However, while it is not possible to totally prevent people contesting a Will potential complications like those outlined in this case show why it is vital for people to prepare Wills to ensure all of their wishes are fully carried out.”