Probate

Missing Backpackers Tireless Mother Granted Declaration of Death

Missing Backpacker’s Tireless Mother Granted Declaration of Death

Probate

When people go missing and are not heard from for years, there has to be a point where the law recognises that they have died. The High Court performed that sad task in the case of a much-loved young man who vanished without trace over 30 years ago whilst on a backpacking trip to Canada. After the 20-year-old travelled to Canada to see the country and visit members of his family, he stayed in touch with his mother, with whom he had a close and loving relationship. However, his contact with her abruptly ceased whilst he was staying at a …

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Legacies and Entitlement to Means-Tested Benefits - High Court Ruling

Legacies and Entitlement to Means-Tested Benefits – High Court Ruling

Probate, Wills

When making a will, most people would wish to provide for loved ones in need. As a High Court case showed, however, means testing of many state benefits creates a very real risk of such good intentions coming to nought and that is one very good reason why professional will drafting is so important. The case concerned a woman aged 21 with autism and learning disabilities, who was left about £170,000 in her grandfather’s will, subject to her attaining the age of 25. On her receipt of that capital sum, she would lose her entitlement to means-tested benefits on which …

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