In what could turn out to be a landmark decision, it has been ruled by the courts that a Mrs Llott is awarded £164,000 inheritance - a third of her estranged mothers estate - dispite being cut out of her Will.
The story that the BBC covers in full - details how at aged 17, Heather Llott eloped with her future husband and from this moment onward the relationship between her and her mother - Mrs Jackson had soured.
Whilst Mrs Jackson had made it clear in her will that she wanted no element of her estate to be passed to her estranged daughter and had instead instructed it to be passed to three different charitable organisations - Lady Justice Arden said the mother had been ‘unreasonable, capricious and harsh’ and it was noted by the court that no ‘reasonable provision’ had been made for Heather.
Clive Coleman - a BBC legal affairs correspondent gave the following analysis:
Experts say the ruling means you can still disinherit your children but you’ll have to explain why and what connects you to those you do leave the money to.
That’ll make it easier for adult ‘disinherited’ children to challenge wills and claim greater sums by way of reasonable provision.
Aside from the results of this hearing, there are many essential reasons why you should make a Will:
- Unmarried partners cannot inherit from each other unless there is a Will.
- If you have children under the age of 18 you need to make arrangements for guardianship in the event one or both parents die.
- You may be able to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance for your loved ones.
- If you die without making a valid Will, then the Law decides on the allocation of your assets; it may all be left to the Crown!
We have a specialist consultant, Lynn Wheeldon, who will be happy to assist you in the drawing up of a Will or any probate or Trust matter.
You can email Lynn or telephone to the numbers below.
Central Cardiff – 029 2039 5888
Cowbridge – 01446 77 41 51
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