Widow awarded part of Will despite being excluded

We came across an interesting story, whereby a widow has won half of her late husband’s £1 million estate despite his will entirely excluding her and their four daughters.

Harbans Kaur, the widow, married Karnail Singh in 1955. Singh made his will in 2005 before dying in 2021, following 66 years of marriage.

In his Will, he wished for his estate to go “solely down the male line” to his two sons.

The judge who heard the case in the family division at the Royal Courts of Justice, heard that Kaur had played a “full role” in the marriage and in the family’s clothing business.

The judge surmised that using the Inheritance Act 1975, “this is the clearest possible case entitling me to conclude that reasonable provision has not been made for the claimant”, adding: “It is hard to see how any other conclusion can be reached.”

Accordingly, Peel J awarded 50% of the net value of the estate to Kaur. Which just goes to show how vital it is to ensure that your Will is created properly but also that you can appeal if you feel the Will has not benefited you as it should.

If you’re based near Middlesbrough or Teesside or in the areas of Stainsby, Normanby, Stainton and Billingham or anywhere in the surrounding area, we can assist with Wills or any other probate, power of attorney or trust guidance you may require please contact 01642 493101 or email info@ceprotection.com. Please click here to learn more about Wills.