The combination of a deathbed marriage, a millionaire and a new will was always likely to end in tears, and that’s exactly what happened recently when a family challenged their late father’s will, which left everything to his new wife, who had been his partner for more than 30 years. The couple were married at his home shortly before he died in 2008. His three daughters, who are now contesting his will, were not present at the wedding.
Under the new will, the man’s wife, who was instrumental in helping him build up a successful business in Kent, was left his entire estate. His solicitor confirmed that his instructions regarding the new will had been clear. The man’s family claim that his widow used undue influence over him at a time when he was weak in order to persuade him to write a new will in her favour.
The man’s widow claims that the couple had a longstanding agreement that they would marry if either of them developed a terminal condition.
This case is yet another example of how easy it is for bitter disputes to develop in families when arrangements are left to be dealt with by ‘understandings’ or are made at the last minute – or worse still, as in this case, both.
Whether or not you are a millionaire, it is sensible to have your Will drawn up properly and make arrangements for your estate to be dealt with in a way that reduces or rules out the scope for any dispute. In fact, it is probably more important for people who are not millionaires to do this because of the costs and stress of sorting out an estate where there is a badly-drawn will or no will at all.
This November, Poole Townsend is taking part in Will Aid. We will make your will and instead of paying us, you give us a donation to Will Aid, all of which goes to charity. The recommended rate for a single, simple will is £85 and for two wills for a couple it is £150. If your will is complicated or you ask us to do any extra work for you, you pay separately for that. To make an appointment, telephone (01229) 811811, and ask for Jamie Williams. Please make sure that you mention that that you would like to make your Will under the WillAid scheme.
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