Is there any way in which my mother could have still lived with Jean but prevented her from receiving property after her death?
Your
mother could have made a will directing where her property was to
go when she passed away. Even with careful estate planning,
however, it is not possible to contract out of the Dependants
Relief Act. That Act allows for someone who is not provided for in a will
or by the intestacy rules to apply for money or property from the
estate of a deceased person. Only certain people can apply. The group
now includes adult interdependent partners.
The result of the laws acting together means that you cannot make
an agreement or contract to say that the Dependants Relief Act
will not apply to your estate. Even if you leave a will, someone
who can claim they were your adult interdependent partner, could
challenge your will in court and possibly obtain property or money.
WARNING:
The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information
only.
If
you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.
July 2003
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