Conditional will dispute to go to Supreme Court
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:49 PM 
Contact: Ali Ebrahim, ConsultantA bitter dispute over an inheritance is set to run still further after Philip Howard, son of Sir John Howard-Lawson, announced his intention to appeal a decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.
Sir John sold the family seat, Corby Castle, for £2.5 million in 1994. His son claims a share of the proceeds of sale on the basis of allegations that his father did not comply with provisions in the will under which he had inherited the estate. These included the requirements that he change his name to Howard and adopt the Howard coat of arms and to take the necessary steps to do so within a year.
Although attempts were made to comply with these requirements, the necessary procedures to give them effect were not completed within the stipulated time.
The High Court and then the Court of Appeal considered that Sir John’s actions had been reasonable. However, his son does not accept this judgment and is pressing ahead with an appeal.
The case does show clearly the problems that can arise when conditions are put on bequests in wills – particularly, as in this case, where there are time limits attached which may prove difficult to comply with.
For more information about writing your will, planning inheritance or dealing with a disputed will contact Ali Ebrahim, Consultant on 020 8221 8000 or e-mail ali.ebrahim@bowlinglaw.co.uk.
