The Contention Over Claims of a Mistress Not Listed in Deceased Lover’s Will
The recent claim by a social media influencer that side chicks can contest a man’s will in court has sparked a heated debate within the legal community. The assertion, made by @Morris_Monye, suggests that side chicks who receive monthly allowances from a man have the legal right to challenge his will if they can prove their dependency through bank statements.
This controversial statement has raised questions about who has the legal standing to challenge a will and under what circumstances. According to Nigerian Trust advisor Iyiosa Ediagbonya, Lagos State laws allow a man’s mistress to contest his will if she can prove financial dependency.
However, legal experts have pointed out that the term “side chick” is not recognized in the law, and that marriage under the Marriage Act is a union between one man and one woman. The status of a mistress or side chick in contemporary Nigerian society is not legally defined, and many lawyers have emphasized that such relationships have no legal standing.
In the context of will contests, only interested parties with a valid legal reason can challenge a will. This includes heirs who have been omitted from the will, beneficiaries named in a previous will, and individuals who can show that they would have received something of value if the deceased had died without a will.
Overall, the debate over whether side chicks can contest a man’s will highlights the complexities of will interpretation and the importance of understanding legal standing and grounds for contesting a will. As the legal community continues to discuss this issue, it is clear that clarity and understanding of the law are essential in navigating such contentious matters.