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29 January 2009
Issue: 7354 / Categories: Legal News , Wills & Probate
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A clash of wills

Probate

High court disputes over wills and inheritance have risen by 175%.

Research by City law firm Wedlake Bell, show an increase from 83 disputes in 2006 to 228 in 2007. Wedlake Bell partner Fay Copeland says: “We are seeing more cases where disputes arise from spouses from first, second or even third marriages. Things get even more complicated when it comes to provisions for the children of each marriage. People can end up very displeased with the size of the slice of the estate they receive and have fewer qualms about taking take matters to court if they feel they have been treated unfairly under the will.”
 

Issue: 7354 / Categories: Legal News , Wills & Probate
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Switalskis—Sally Ann Masih, Suzy Overton & Jane Beaumont

Trio of recruits strengthens Switalskis residential property team

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Ward Hadaway—Steven Hayward

Birmingham law firm appoints construction partner

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop—six appointments

Flint Bishop accelerates Northern growth through strategic senior appointments

NEWS
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience

A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up

A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
Jonathan Fisher KC’s wide-ranging fraud report contains worthwhile proposals, but turning them into workable reform will require money, capacity and political will
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