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ARTICLE · 14 SEPTEMBER 2017

Lessons From A Recent Inheritance Dispute: Everything Changes To Be The Same As Before

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A 31 year old estranged daughter has been awarded £30,000 out of her father's modest estate despite her father's clear wishes and the intended beneficiary's own financial difficulties

United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Paul Hewitt
Paul Hewitt
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A 31 year old estranged daughter has been awarded £30,000 out of her father's modest estate despite her father's clear wishes and the intended beneficiary's own financial difficulties.

It is a case that has generated considerable interest despite the modest value of the estate.

Those defending the principles of testamentary freedom will regret the Judge's willingness to override a will made less than a fortnight before death. They will also regret the Judge's throwaway comment linking his award to the percentage value of the estate. It is that comment rather than Saffman J's otherwise considered judgment working through all the relevant factors which is being seized on by disappointed children.

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