Woman wins legal dispute over parents’ Wills

Posted 08/02/2010

A woman has won her legal battle to claim property belonging to her family after being disinherited in her parents’ Wills.

Dr Christine Gill has been awarded the right to inherit the £2.3 million farm, despite documents produced by her father and mother leaving the estate to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) instead.

The university lecturer, who had assisted with the farm’s upkeep for many years, alleged that her mother had been unwillingly coerced into making the Will by her husband, despite previously voicing a dislike of the RSPCA.

A High Court ruling also deemed that the animal charity has acted unreasonably in its refusal to accept mediation or dispute resolution procedures, meaning it will pay the majority of the legal costs.

Dr Gill said: “The RSPCA attempted to justify its stance by saying it was obliged under charity law to defend the claim to trial … Today’s decision sets the record straight.”

Last month, consumers were reminded by the Fellowship of Willwriters and Probate Practitioners that professional advice is an essential part of the Will writing process, as failing to do so will increase the chances of legal complications.