Wrongly Executed Will Can be Rectified – Marley v Rawlings & Anor [2014] UKSC 2

The UK Supreme Court has held in Marley v Rawlings and another [2014] UKSC 2 that a mirror will signed by the wrong spouse can be rectified under section 20(1)(a) of the Administration of Justice Act 1982, on the basis that the solicitor who handed the wrong will to each spouse to sign made a…

Refresher on Abatement of Legacies – Petterson v Ross [2013] EWHC 2724

The case of Petterson v Ross [2013] EWHC 2724 (Ch) is a recent and useful summary of the correct approach to be taken where there are insufficient assets in an estate to pay specific legacies. The case is useful for will drafters and contentious probate practitioners alike. The case is a useful refresher of the…

Illegitimate Daughter Fails in Will Challenge – Re Devillebichot (Deceased)

A recent decision of Mark Herbert QC, sitting as a deputy High Court judge of the Chancery Division, dismissed a daughter’s claim to overturn her father’s will. The decision affirms the leading decision of Wharton v Bancroft [2011] EWHC 3250 (Ch) in cases based upon want of knowledge and approval. The decision, reported as Re…