Wills and probate dispute settled

People looking for probate solicitors have been told that the partner of a deceased Royal Marine has won legal action over his estate and a £17,440 payout.

Rachel Douglas was engaged in a court battle with the family of Sergeant Jacky Manuel over who would be the will beneficiary of his £290,000 estate.

Ms Douglas originally wanted £60,000 of her former boyfriend's funds, but was this week handed less than his relatives previously offered her, meaning that she will have to cover some legal costs.

Sunderland County Court heard how Sergeant Manuel's brother took on the role of executor and claimed that his sibling only wanted Ms Douglas, 36, to receive £10,000.

Recorder Timothy Kerr found that the council worker had been living with the deceased Royal Marine continuously for more than two years before he was killed in Afghanistan in 2008, meaning that she had a legal claim on his estate.

In addition, legal expert Sue Medder and businessman Sir Gerry Robinson recently told BBC Breakfast that people must make sure that they write a will even though it may be an emotional experience.

Published by Phil Hammond