Will Writing Error Denies £1m Charitable Bequest

I recently read an article about an error on a Will that resulted in a charity losing an inheritance bequest worth £1m. This was reportedly due to a basic witnessing error.

A retired doctor used a Will writing service to draft a new Will just before her passing. She reportedly intended to leave circa £1m of her estate to charities.

Unfortunately, the will-writing company caused an error in witnessing the deceased’s signature, which meant that the charities were excluded from the Will. Half of the estate was instead due to be inherited by the retired doctor’s goddaughter… who is also a director at the same will-writing company.

Due to the witnessing error, and the charities missing out on the inheritance, they have filed a professional liability claim against the will-writing company.

Whilst it is so very important to have a Will in place and ensure the whereabouts of the original is known, it is also as important to make sure that the Will is signed in the correct way in the first instance.

As shown in this case, not signing the Will properly can cause it to be invalid. The time, effort and money put into preparing the Will is lost.

Emma Aslett

Penn Chambers Solicitors   

0207 183 4595

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute professional advice and you should take full and comprehensive legal, accountancy or financial advice as appropriate on your individual circumstances by a fully qualified Solicitor, Accountant or Financial Advisor/Mortgage Broker before you embark on any course of action.