Saturday 15 February 2025

Navigating the Inheritance Maze: Your Guide to Probate, Will Disputes, and Estate Challenges

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Grandfather leaves grandchildren only £50 inheritance from £500,000 fortune following will revision

Grandfather leaves grandchildren £50 each from £500,000 fortune for lack of visits

The recent case of Fredrick Ward Snr from Ealing, London, has sparked controversy and family drama after he decided to leave only £50 each to five of his grandchildren from his £500,000 fortune. The veteran, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 91, made the decision to disinherit his late son’s children due to their lack of visits while he was in hospital.

The granddaughters, Carol Gowing, Angela St Marseille, Amanda Higginbotham, Christine Ward, and Janet Pett, sued after finding out they had been left out of the will. They argued that their aunt and uncle had unduly influenced their grandfather’s decision to cut them out of the inheritance.

However, High court judge Master James Brightwell ruled in favor of Mr. Ward Snr, stating that it was entirely rational for him to make changes to his will based on the limited contact he had with his grandchildren in recent years. The judge noted that the granddaughters had only made occasional visits to their grandfather, while their aunt and uncle had a much closer relationship with him.

The family dispute over the inheritance, which resulted in a shouting match at the reading of the will, highlights the complexities and emotions involved in estate planning. While some may view the decision as disappointing, the judge affirmed Mr. Ward Snr’s right to distribute his estate as he saw fit.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships with loved ones and communicating openly about estate planning to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.

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