Three animal welfare charities have mounted an appeal to challenge a judge’s decision which allowed a woman’s estranged daughter to overturn her Will.

They will be appealing the decision to override Melita Jackson’s Will, which explicitly disinherited her estranged daughter, Heather Ilott, and left her entire £500,000 estate to the three charities.

However, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975, which is designed to give children reasonable provision, Mrs Ilott claimed that she had not been provided for in her mother’s Will.

This case has been ongoing since 2007 and has been subject to multiple appeals from both parties, and now the charities, who were the main beneficiary of the Will, have been given permission to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, stating that they were concerned about the implications that the decision could potentially have on legacies left to charities in Wills.

The case highlights the importance of having a Will professionally drafted so that you avoid these types of issues. We always suggest that you review your Will on a regular basis and after any major change in your life, such as marriage, divorce, births and deaths. If you would like to review your arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.