Estranged Daughter Loses Supreme Court Inheritance Case
Three animal charities have won a case at the Supreme Court against a woman who was cut out of her mother's £500,000 will.
Melita Jackson died in 2004 and left most of her estate to animal charities, without a penny going to her estranged daughter, Heather Ilott.
Mrs Ilott was initially awarded £50,000 by a judge, on the basis that she had been "unreasonably" excluded. This amount was later tripled on appeal.
The charities challenged the increase, arguing that individuals should be free to choose beneficiaries. Now, the Supreme Court has agreed with their claims and ruled that Mrs Ilott will only receive the original amount.
James Aspden, the solicitor acting for the three animal charities, said the Supreme Court had upheld a "vital principle." He continued:
"It reaffirms in a unanimous sense from the highest court in the land that principle that we're all free to choose who will benefit when we die.
"What we've seen the Supreme Court do today is clear things up, in the sense of how the Inheritance Act works, how far that freedom goes, and our hope and our belief following this judgement, is that we now have a much better idea where we all stand."
If you need legal assistance with any aspect of probate, inheritance or wills, speak to our Altrincham team today. Call us on 0161 928 5558 to discuss your circumstances.
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