header-logo header-logo

26 November 2009 / Paola Fudakowska , Adam Cloherty , Paul Hewitt
Issue: 7395 / Categories: Features , Wills & Probate
printer mail-detail

A battle of wills

Paul Hewitt, Paola Fudakowska & Adam Cloherty examine rectification & statutory wills

In Parkinson v Fawdon [2009] EWHC 1953 (Ch) the deceased (D) and H owned a farm jointly. They made mirror wills, under which each left his estate to the other, appointing him as sole executor. In the event that the other did not survive the testator, an alternative executor was named with substitute provisions in respect of residue.

D died two weeks after H and the alternative provisions of D’s will took effect in relation to both estates. D’s will appointed the defendant (F) and “Mark Parkinson of 215 Ditching Road Brighton in the County of Sussex” as his executors. The residuary estate was to be divided between Mark Parkinson, F and her sisters.

P brought an application for rectification of the will under Administration of Justice Act 1982, s 20 on the basis that there was no one who matched the description of “Mark Parkinson of 215 Ditching Road Brighton in the County of Sussex” and that he was the intended executor and residuary beneficiary.

F

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll