After a decade long battle, three animal charities have been successful in their appeal at the Supreme Court in a case relating to Inheritance. The case of Illot v Mitson involves a mother who removed her daughter, Mrs Illot, from her Will after being estranged from her for 26 years. The Estate, worth almost £500,000.00, was left mainly to three animal charities. Mrs Illot challenged the Will under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claiming that her mother had not made ‘reasonable financial provision’ for her and was eventually awarded one third of the Estate. The animal charities have now successfully appealed this decision in the Supreme Court, with Mrs Illot’s inheritance award reduced from £160,000.00 to £50,000.00. This landmark judgement upholds the principle that people have the freedom to decide who they wish to benefit from their Estate after they die. If you would like advice regarding disinheriting a family member and the implications that this may have in the future, then contact our expert team who are happy to help. Call our Private Client team on 0800 988 3650, email willsandprobate@ramsdens.co.uk or text LAW to 67777 to book a free information session at any of our offices across West Yorkshire.