Son claimed mother died intestate to seize assets

The importance of using a professional executor service has been highlighted by a recent case in which a man hid the death of his mother in order to be her sole will beneficiary.

Kenneth Mould spent over a year covering his mother's demise so that he was able to alter her will. Despite authorities not finding sufficient evidence to launch legal action against him, Mr Mould is no longer allowed to work in his profession as a social worker.

Although Evelyn Mould, who suffered from Alzheimers, died in February 2007, her son maintained the lie that she was alive to family members.

Ms Mould, of North Shields, began living with her son after her health deteriorated and while there was forced to make her offspring her only will beneficiary by altering the legal document.

Mr Mould also persuaded neighbours to act as witnesses during the signing process but they claimed that his mother was unaware of what she was doing. Ultimately, Mr Mould declared his mother intestate as he believed that the will would not stand up.

In addition, a study by Will Aid showed that many, particularly in younger generations are unaware of probate law.

Published by Hannah Carr