Judge rules retired soldier entitled to leave grandchildren only £50 each of £500,000 fortune

Retired Soldier Leaves Grandchildren £50 Each of £500,000 Fortune Due to Lack of Visits

A retired soldier, Frederick Ward Snr, who passed away in 2020, left his five grandchildren only £50 each of his £500,000 fortune, sparking a family dispute. Ward, described as “strong-willed,” divided almost all of his estate between his children, Terry Ward and Susan Wiltshire, but left his late son’s children with a minimal inheritance.

The grandchildren, Carol Gowing, Angela St Marseille, Amanda Higginbotham, Christine Ward, and Janet Pett, were disappointed with the small amount they received and believed that their uncle and aunt had influenced their grandfather into changing his will to their disadvantage.

However, the High Court judge, Master James Brightwell, dismissed their claims, stating that it was rational for Ward to leave them with a small sum due to their limited contact with him in his final years. The judge noted that the grandchildren had not visited Ward in the hospital during his illness, which contributed to his decision to leave them with a nominal amount.

Master Brightwell emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Terry Ward or Susan Wiltshire had coerced or controlled their father into altering his will. He deemed the 2018 will as rational, considering the circumstances and the lack of interaction between Ward and his grandchildren after their father’s passing.

The judge concluded that Ward had become disappointed with his grandchildren due to the changed circumstances following their father’s death and the minimal contact between them. He cleared Terry Ward and Susan Wiltshire of any wrongdoing, stating that there was no evidence of undue influence in the drafting of the will.

Overall, the case highlights the importance of maintaining relationships with family members, as it can impact inheritance decisions and lead to disputes after one’s passing.