Wills and probate specialist joins national organisation as dispute cases rise

Katherine said the increase in national cases was mirrored regionally with a rise in such inquiries. A range of reasons for this included a growth in the value of estates over the last two decades, the number of second marriages and new partnerships, and various ‘headline-hitting’ cases that had heightened awareness.

Added to that was the crisis caused by the on-going pandemic leading to a sad rise in death rates and possibly the creation of hurried and perhaps incomplete Wills.

Katherine explained how Wills could now be witnessed virtually. Whilst this was a positive move, care needed to be taken that issues, such as mental capacity or undue influence, were not overlooked. Such matters could be more easily addressed face-to-face, she added.

“All of these factors have contributed to this increase. When you look at the current situation with coronavirus as an example. This dreadful pandemic has impacted upon many people both financially and emotionally with the initial outbreak certainly prompting a surge in demand for Wills’ preparation and powers of attorney. Whilst this was understandable, was everything conducted as it should have been, to prevent it being contested later?” explained Katherine.

“Whilst we would always seek to achieve resolution through mediation, or other forms of negotiation, that is not always possible. Of course, by far the best way of preventing such cases is to ensure we have Wills that are correct and reviewed regularly and upon any change in circumstance, with careful consideration given to family relationships,” she added.