Experts speak out on celebrity probate case

Lawyers have spoken out to say that more people should be interested in wills and probate to avoid the disputes seen in a recent battle over an author's will.

Legal experts Charlie Tee and Sue Medder told Ifaonline.co.uk that it is of the upmost importance that people have an up-to-date will to avoid any fall outs between friends and family after their death.

The pair pointed out the case of Stieg Larsson, author of the Millennium Trilogy, who died without having made a will, meaning that, despite being in a relationship with him for over thirty years, his partner is not entitled to any of his estate. Instead, his family received the proceeds, leading to a number of court battles.

Those who have yet to make a will be interested to hear that the case happened in Sweden where cohabitation is not recognised by intestacy laws, which is also the case in England.

Both of the lawyers said that those who are unmarried but cohabitating with their partner would be wise to make a will so that their wishes are clear and legally binding.

In addition, Linda Fisher, regional chairman of the Society of Will Writers, recently told the Somerset County Gazette that wills must be properly written so that probate executors have any easier task to carry out.

Published by Hannah Carr