header-logo header-logo

07 February 2014
Issue: 7593 / Categories: Case law , Law digest
printer mail-detail

Wills

The Vegetarian Society & another v Scott [2013] EWHC 4097 (Ch), [2014] All ER (D) 205 (Jan)

The general principle of testamentary freedom stated that a person might leave his or her assets as they saw fit. However, Banks v Goodfellow [1861-73] All ER Rep 47 required that a testator have testamentary capacity. The burden of proof lay on the party propounding the will, but that was shifted to the opposing party where the will was rational on its face. If the opposing party proved a real doubt as to capacity, the burden would have reverted to the propounder of the will.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
back-to-top-scroll