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

Gifting: Who should make the gift?

Gifting: Who should make the gift?

'Advisers should take a broader view of the family balance sheet'

Ken Maxwell
clock 10 April 2026 • 4 min read
Roddy Munro: IHT on pensions sees estate planning take centre stage

Roddy Munro: IHT on pensions sees estate planning take centre stage

'Many recognise that existing planning frameworks are no longer sufficient'

Roddy Munro
clock 09 April 2026 • 4 min read
Aberdeen Adviser launches trust service on Wrap platform

Aberdeen Adviser launches trust service on Wrap platform

To help advisers deal with the £7trn great wealth transfer

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 March 2026 • 2 min read