Undue influence? Advisers' role when clients want to make radical will changes

‘Inheritance disputes often lead to lengthy and costly litigation’

clock • 4 min read

Alexandra McVean shares her legal insight on a problematic estate law case and highlights how advisers can nip will-related issues in the bud

Anju Patel, who had been expecting to inherit almost all of her father's £600,000 estate, has instead been left with a costs bill of around £400,000 following a claim against her father's, Laxmikant Patel, will by her siblings. Piyush and Bhavenetta Stewart-Brown claimed that their father's 2021 will was not validly executed. Under his 2021 will, Laxmikant left his £600,000 house in Harrow, London, to Anju and left Piyush and Bhavenetta just £250.  Under Laxmikant's 2019 will, he left £50,000 to Anju and 1% of his estate to a charitable trust administered by Anju and split the residue...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Estate planning

Five top tips for making the most of the opportunity in estate planning

Five top tips for making the most of the opportunity in estate planning

'The overarching advice we give to advisers is simple: engage at a human level'

Nick Bird
clock 19 November 2025 • 4 min read
The risks of advisers not addressing estate planning with clients

The risks of advisers not addressing estate planning with clients

'Clients are increasingly expecting holistic advice'

Jennifer Peaty
clock 30 October 2025 • 5 min read
Intergenerational wealth transfer: DIY estate planning 'no longer an option'

Intergenerational wealth transfer: DIY estate planning 'no longer an option'

Complexity is part and parcel of tax reliefs and exemptions

Jenna Brown
clock 22 April 2025 • 2 min read