Parental purse
Question
My parents have recently cut me out of their will and although I was tempted to simply ignore this, I dont think its really fair.
I spent a lot of my life looking after my siblings, and my parents used the free time to work themselves. As a young teenager they even got me to do paid work and took the salary from me.
Considering that so much of my early life was spent supporting them and earning them money it seems unfair that I should simply be cut off. Is there anything I can do to challenge the will?
Answer
If you feel you've not been adequately provided for in your parents' will you can challenge it. This challenge will have to occur when they die, rather than before. There are strict time limits for doing this, and in your situation this will be within six months of the grant of probate being issued. The grant of probate is a High Court document issued at the time of someone's death that established who has legal authority to deal with the estate and affairs of the deceased.
Any child who feels that they have not been adequately provided for in their parents' will can ask the court to make financial provision for them by changing the will. This provision is really intended for dependents of the deceased and as a self-supporting adult it will be more difficult for you to prove that you need that financial support. You can read more about challenging a will on the Adviceguide website.
You will need to see a solicitor to see whether or not you will be able to challenge the will or apply for some form of financial provision from the courts in the event of your parents' death.
Updated: 26/01/2009
Question answered by CAB
