Probate disputes case studies – Our step father inherited our family money

The deceased married the two Claimants' mother in the late 70s and the Claimants went to live with him. Unfortunately their mother died in the early 80s and at that time their relationship with the deceased deteriorated and they both left his home and went to live on their own when they were in their late teens.

The deceased had inherited money on their mother's death from both their mother and from the Estate of her Great Aunt. He had benefitted from these monies to fund his lifestyle which included sailing and going on world cruises.

On his death, the Claimants brought a claim stating that they should in effect inherit their mother's family's money from him. Due to their mother's early death, they had found it difficult to make their way in life and were reliant on benefits.

Settlement was reached whereby they received a percentage share of the Estate to compensate them for the fact that the deceased had inherited significant sums from their mother and her side of the family.