Probate

The EU has adopted a regulation to define European law on cross-border succession and wills, despite UK opposition (registration required to access article). The regulation creates a ‘European Certificate of Inheritance forcing states to recognise heirs and executors.'

An Ulster farmer died intestate, leaving an estate of £800,000. His former co-habitee claimed that the farmer had promised her a permanent home. She was awarded £250,000 by the High Court in Belfast.

The High Court has granted an order to execute a statutory will for an elderly widow, under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The application by her deputy was opposed by her former carer, who held an enduring power of attorney for her, was the sole beneficiary of her previous will and had already obtained nearly £200,000 of her savings. (ITW v Z & Ors, EWHC 2525(fam)).