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Aunt's Claim Over £1M Estate Overturned by Court
30 Jan
Summary
- Daughters successfully challenged aunt in court over £1 million estate.
- Father's will declared void due to insane delusions.
- Ruling means daughters will inherit the entire £1 million estate.
Four daughters have successfully challenged their aunt's claim to their late father's £1 million estate. Michael Gwilliam, an eccentric farmer and antique dealer from Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean, passed away in February 2022. Until 2013, his relationship with his four daughters was harmonious. However, his mental health deteriorated, leading to suspicions about his family and neighbors.
In 2014, Mr. Gwilliam made a will that significantly reduced his daughters' inheritance, leaving portions to his aunt, Sheila Gwilliam, and others. Attached was a letter expressing accusations against his daughters. The daughters contested the will, arguing their father lacked testamentary capacity due to delusions, influenced by their aunt and former partner.
Justice Leslie Blohm KC at the High Court in Bristol ruled the 2014 will void, citing "insane delusions" likely caused by a stroke. He found that Sheila Gwilliam and Joan Brooks intended to induce Mr. Gwilliam to make a will less favorable to his children. The judge concluded that, but for their intervention, he would not have made a will, thus his daughters, as next of kin, will inherit the full estate.
