Edna's Testamentary Liability

1200 Words3 Pages

Section 9 The Wills Act 1837 and Section 17 of the Administration of Justice Act 1982 states that a will is not valid unless it is in writing and signed by the testator or by some other person at the testators direction. This signature must illustrate an intent by the testator to give effect to the will. Also, the signature must be made in the presence of at least two witnesses who are present at the same time that either attests and signs the will or acknowledges the testators signature.

An attestation is where a witness declares that the will has been executed in their presence following the formalities set out by law (Sherrington and others v Sherrington 7 ITELR 711, [2005] 3 FCR 538). Where the will has been constructed in a standard …show more content…

Applied to case:

Edna has a history of forgetfulness and was diagnosed with the onset of early dementia so the presumption of testamentary capacity does not exist. Therefore it must be demonstrated that Edna had sufficient understanding of the will and its consequences, comprehension of the size of her estate and any obligations she had to others and not suffer form a mental condition that would affect her capacity to prove she had testamentary capacity. The burden therefore falls on those benefitting form the will to prove that Edna had capacity.
Simon v Byford established that it is possible for a person to make a valid will whilst suffering from dementia. Edna was described as having lucid days so it is likely that she would be deemed as being capable of making a valid will as each case is based on its own merits.
No mental state examination took place. This does not prove lack of testamentary capacity but does not assist the beneficiaries in establishing Edna's capacity.

It is unlikely that John and Karen would be successful in challenging this facet. It is likely to be extremely difficult in proving that Edna did not satisfy the requirements of Goodfellow. Also case law such as Simon v Byford establish that someone in Edna’s position is capable of testamentary

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