Insights

Intermeddling is a legal term that means a person has dealt with an estate to such an extent that they have assumed responsibility for it and cannot, therefore, simply "walk away" without the court's approval.

Even if the process starts harmoniously, problems can arise that result in one or more of the beneficiaries having concerns about the suitability of the administrator or administrators.

Mrs Hasan tried to continue proceedings against his estate but this was denied on the basis that the court decided that its power to order financial relief after an overseas divorce can only be exercised as between living parties to a former marriage.

After a five-year legal squabble, a jury in Michigan recently ruled that the handwritten will dated 2014 was valid and should override a 2010 will that was discovered around the same time in a locked cabinet at Franklin’s home in suburban Detroit.

This case shows, once again, the importance of having a clear, executed will at all times to avoid costly and upsetting contentious probate.

A leading Midlands lawyer has urged people to try and resolve inheritance disputes out of court – as three brothers were warned they risk squandering their mother’s entire £850,000 estate on legal fees.

If you’re not careful, contentious trusts and probate cases can easily turn hostile and result in huge legal fees – that’s the warning from a leading Midlands lawyer.