Stone Life October/November 2013 | Page 46

LEGAL MATTERS Family disputes over wills ‘increase by 700%’ By Peter Harris, head of Grindeys Wills Trusts & Probate team T he number of family disputes over wills has increased dramatically, according to research carried out by the Independent newspaper. Its figures show that the number of actions in the High Court challenging provisions made in wills has increased by 700% over the last five years. The number of cases seeking to have entire wills declared invalid has nearly doubled over the same period. Solicitors Grindeys help you focus on what’s important Wills, Trusts and Probate Wills and trusts Inheritance tax planning Probate and estate administration Lasting powers of attorney For more information please call: 01782 846 441 www.grindeys.co.uk 46 October/November 2013 Lawyers say there could be several reasons for the increases. The recession has reduced the value of many estates meaning that some family members do not inherit as much as they expected. They may decide to take action to make up the shortfall. It’s likely that the c ???????????????????????)???????????????????????????????Q???????)?????????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????????)Q??????????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????????????Q???)????????????????????????????????????????)?????????????????)Q????????????????????????????????)????????????????????????????????????)???????????????????????????????%??????)?????????????????????????????????????????)??????????????????????????????????????)???????????)A??????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????????????)??????????5???????????????????????????????)????)?????????)???????????????)???????????????????)????????????????)??????)A??????????????)]????Q???????A????)??????????????????)????????????????????)????????????????????)?????????????????((