Blog
What tech businesses need to know in 2026
Christopher Perrin
The recently reported case of John Hoggins’ failed claim against a £650,000 house he bought for his girlfriend, Greta Cerniauskaite, has generated some interesting headlines. Reports of “Plumbing tycoon's ex girlfriend wins share of fortune” and “British millionaire ordered to hand luxury £650,000 house to Lithuanian ex-girlfriend” add to the myth that cohabitants have legal rights.
In the past year, the High Court has been asked to determine whether a purported will is a forgery on three different occasions. This is an interesting development because there is often a perception amongst lawyers that contested will forgery actions rarely reach trial.
The recently decided case of Ramsey v Ramsay [2015] reminds practitioners of the importance of clearly explaining to the testator their will in a language they understand and reinforces the importance of the solicitor's evidence in cases concerning the validity of a will.
“Judges say that your will can be ignored” ; “Woman cut out of mother's will as she eloped with boyfriend wins legal battle for share of estate”; “What is the point of a will if your wishes can be defied?”; “UK court overturns will of mother who had disinherited child”. These are just some of the headlines that have appeared in the pages of our national newspapers in the last few days following the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Ilott v Mitson & Ors (“Ilott”).
Preparing wills can be stressful. Once completed, people are satisfied that their estate will be distributed in accordance with their wishes upon their death. However, problems can arise if the will has not been properly executed. This can sometimes happen if a person has undertaken a DIY will and not followed will formalities. Solicitors and professional will writers can make errors causing the will to be invalid.
Christopher Perrin
Oliver Oldman
Jessica Etherington
Legal Notices | Privacy Notice | Fraud Warning | Modern Slavery Statement | Complaints | Website Terms | Cookie Policy | Accessibility | Site Map
© 2026 Kingsley Napley LLP. All rights reserved. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, registration number 500046.
Skip to content Home About Us Insights Services Contact Accessibility