Post Termination Issues: What do employers need to consider?
Chris Dobbs looks at post termination issues, obligations and restrictions.
The bitter dispute between Lynda Bellingham’s two sons and their step-father Michael Pattermore is rumbling on. Ms Bellingham obviously trusted her husband to ‘do the right thing’, having left everything to him in her Will. Sadly, Mr Pattermore evicted Robbie and Michael from their family home and it has been reported that he bought a £600,000 mansion shortly after her death. He is also reported to have taken a round the world holiday. The sons fear that he is squandering their mother’s inheritance and are taking legal action. Testamentary freedom is an important principle in English courts and inheritance claims by adult children are not always straightforward.
In America, Muhammad Ali’s family are gearing up to fight over his estate which runs into millions of dollars. He leaves behind four marriages and nine acknowledged children. His fourth wife – Lonnie Ali – is understood to be the executor of his estate. Reports have indicated friction between her, family members, and Ali’s children from previous relationships. There is speculation that Ali’s estate could be anything from $35million to more than $85 million. The value of the estate will cause complications and also the complex family situation is certain to create bitterness between family members.
"There is a lesson to be learnt here with a timely reminder to make your wishes clear in your Will. No matter how complicated your family issues are, your solicitor can advise on the best ways to provide for all your intended beneficiaries in your Will," advises Wills & Tax Solicitor Julie Partington.
Our Wills & Tax Team, based in Christchurch, also cover Bournemouth, Poole and the New Forest. For a free initial chat, please call 01202 499255 and Julie or a member of the team will be happy to discuss any questions that you may have.
