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01 January 2009
Issue: 7350+7351 / Categories: Features , Wills & Probate
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Law reports: Will-Construction-Definition of "per stirpes"

Sammut and others v Manzi Jnr and other (2008) ALL ER (D) 79 (Dec); Lord Phillips, Lord Hope, Lord Rodger, Baroness Hale and Lord Carswell, 4 December 2008

The testator died in the Bahamas in February 2004. His executors estimated the value of his estate at $US30m. The proceedings concerned a will made in June 2003, which was admitted to probate in July 2004. Clause 6 of the will provided: “I hereby give demise and bequeath all of my... property...to the following persons in the following shares: (i) Th e fi rst share representing Fifty percent (50%) of my estate to my son, Robert Adams...(ii) The second share representing Twenty-Five percent (25%) of my estate to: a. my cousins..; and b. my ex-spouse Ruby Adams...in equal shares as to the realty in fee simple and as to the personalty absolutely. If any of [the cousins and/ or the wife] shall predecease me or shall fail to survive me for a period of Fourteen (14) days, the share to which that individual is entitled shall be paid, transferred or

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
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