Is Your Will Up To Date?
A Judge has recently ruled that a woman who lived with her partner for nearly 20 years can receive a share of his estate following his death.
As reported by the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35589807 the couple lived together for 18 years and owned their home as tenants in common. When Mr Martin died. the half share of the house did not pass to his partner Joy Williams as Mr Martin had never divorced his wife and had not updated his Will.
Although Joy Williams made a successful claim against her partner’s estate, Mrs Martin’s wife is going to appeal the decision. The case has no doubt been extremely stressful for all concerned and very expensive.
This case highlights how important it is to:
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Make sure your Will is up to date
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Check to see how you own your house – Joints Tenants (it will pass by survivorship) or Tenants in Common (it will pass under the terms of your Will)
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Seek legal advice if you are separated from your spouse but not divorced
For more information about making Wills please contact one of our experts in our offices in Bingley, Ilkley and Bradford:-
Belinda Fox
Email: belinda@rdcsolicitors.co.uk
Address: RDC Solicitors
9 New Brook Street
Ilkley
LS29 8DQ
Telephone: 01943 601173
Sheila Mackintosh
Email: Sheila@rdcsolicitors.co.uk
Address: RDC Solicitors
City Hub
9-11 Peckover Street
Little Germany
Bradford
BD1 5BD
Telephone: 01274 735511
Ian Cormack
Email: IanC@rdcsolicitors.co.uk
Address: RDC Solicitors
City Hub
9-11 Peckover Street
Little Germany
Bradford
BD1 5BD
Telephone: 01274 735511
Our Bingley Office address is:
RDC Solicitors
30 Park Road
