Dignam-Thomas & anr v McCourt & anr [2024] WTLR 105

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | Spring 2024 #194

The claimant sisters (aged 61 and 68) applied under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for provision out of the estate of their late father. The sole asset in the estate was the deceased’s home in which his son and sole beneficiary of his will, the second defendant (aged 72), continued to reside. The second defendant did not engage with the proceedings despite repeated service of court orders and correspondence, and concerns were raised as to his capacity to litigate. Trials were twice adjourned for capacity assessments to be undertaken, but the secon...

Kaur v Singh & ors [2023] WTLR 569

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | Summer 2023 #191

Mr Karnail Singh (the testator) died on 21 August 2021. The claimant was his wife. They had been married since 1955 and had seven children (one of whom was deceased). All of the children were adults. The claimant had played a full role in the marriage both as wife and working in the family business without receiving a stake in it or a salary. The claimant was financially dependent on the testator who met all family outgoings. The testator’s estate was estimated to be worth about £1.9m, the entirety of the family wealth having been built up during the marriage.

The claimant was 83 ...