150 Years Behind . . .

[Canary42]

. . . or different culture ?

For once I applaud the UK Judicial system. Suppress that gasp NJ ;-) I'm not averse to giving credit where it's due.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-64676109

[bobbinwales]

Yes I agree. ... but its not clear to me what the will said about the property...surely she had a right to it to live in or sell and couldn't be kicked out by the sons???

[rowanwitch]

I do hope she leaves her share to her daughters, all be needed to do was make reasonable provision then the sons could inherit the rest no problem. I do hope this will be a useful precedent.

[ToraToraTora]

What's the point of having a will then? However odd it may seem surely the point is to uphold the wishes of the deceased.

[bobbinwales]

But arent you suppose to make reasonable provision for dependants who depend on you financially...so that's spouse and young children

[jno]

there's a benefit to the state in not having to support people who've been cut out of millionaire's wills. Though I must say a £1m estate isn't saying much these days; my little flat in London's worth that.

[rowanwitch]

For a long time there has been a provision where someone can challenge a will if they had a reasonable expectation of continued support. They don't normally get half though.

[ToraToraTora]

bob, may be the right thing to do but It's not a rule.

[barry1010]

Widows have successfully challenged such Wills before, claiming 'reasonable financial provision' under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. I don't see that this particular case has set a precedent.

[ToraToraTora]

You hear of Wealthy people leaving it all to charity regularly. How many of those are challenged? or even Challengeable?

[bobbinwales]

Can you give an example TTT...one where the spouse was left nothing

[jno]

they'd be challenged on the same grounds if dependants were overlooked

[barry1010]

TTT, you would be surprised at the number of contested / defended Wills involving charities, like this case
https://www.starckuberoi.co.uk/an-important-case-ruling-on-contested-wills-and-charities/

[ToraToraTora]

"TTT, you would be surprised at the number of contested / defended Wills involving charities, like this case " - am I the only one who finds that disturbing?