In media-highlighted case, Myerson Solicitors secures Court’s confirmation of will validity

29th October 2024 – Myerson Solicitors, a Top UK 200 law firm based in Altrincham, Cheshire, has successfully defended a client in the high-profile contentious probate case Neate v Heselden, which has attracted media attention due to its unusual circumstances, involving a valuable stamp collection and a longstanding friendship between the Deceased and his former cleaner, Susan Pope.

His Honour Judge Gerald, sitting at the County Court at Central London, delivered judgment on the 24th October 2024, confirming the validity of the will of the late Raymond Watts, dated 2nd May 2019, as modified by a codicil on 12th November 2020. This ruling upholds the Deceased’s wish to leave legacies to his biological children and name his good friend Susan Pope as the primary beneficiary of his estate. In doing so, he dismissed the claims of the Deceased’s stepdaughter, Beverley Neate, who had contested the validity of the will.

Mrs Pope started working for the Deceased in 2011, after he had posted an advertisement for a cleaner. However, over the years, Mrs Pope became a close friend of the Deceased and shared in his hobby of philately, often taking the Deceased to stamp fairs across the country. The Deceased became ill in the latter years of his life and Mrs Pope acted as a carer for him, taking him to all his medical appointments, visiting him in hospital and generally supporting him with daily living. As HHJ Gerald commented during the trial, Mrs Pope was the “single biggest constant” in the Deceased’s life, and as a thank you for her unwavering friendship and support, the Deceased wanted to gift Mrs Pope his stamp collection and leave the majority of his estate to her on his death.

In contrast, towards the end of the Deceased’s life, Mrs Neate, the Deceased’s stepdaughter, started acting in ways described by the Deceased as “disrespectful and distressing.” Her actions included entering his property and changing the locks whilst he was ill in hospital. As a result of the upset caused by Mrs Neate’s behaviour, the Deceased decided that he no longer wished to make any meaningful provision for her in his will. To reflect this, he made the 2020 codicil to modify his 2019 will and reduce Mrs Neate’s legacy from £15,000 to £1.

Mrs Neate sought to establish that the 2019 will and 2020 codicil were invalid. She brought her claim on the grounds that the Deceased did not know and approve the content of the will or codicil and argued that his estate should be administered in accordance with his previous will dated 8th June 2007. The first and second Defendants are the executors and trustees of the 2019 will and remained neutral in the proceedings.
Mrs Neate’s claim was dismissed, and she was ordered to pay the costs of the first, second and third Defendants on an indemnity basis.
Mrs Pope, the third Defendant was represented by Senior Associate Eleanor Clarke of Myerson Solicitors with support from the wider Contentious Trusts and Probate team including Jade Smith and Olivia Shorrock. Mrs Pope was represented at court by barrister Elis Gomer of 5 Stone Buildings.

Reflecting on the judgement, Myerson’s Eleanor Clarke said: “This is a fantastic result for Sue after such a long, bitter and stressful battle. She is happy that Ray’s wishes for her and his children are finally being carried out. Sue was pleased with the kind comments from the Judge and wanted to thank everyone who has helped and supported her through the last difficult 4 years.”
While this matter was ultimately resolved through trial, it is important to note that most contentious probate cases are settled outside of court, through mediation and direct negotiations.

In 2023, only 122 contested probate cases went to trial, up from 116 cases in 2022, according to the Ministry of Justice Family Court Statistics. Yet, it is estimated that as many as 10,000 will disputes arise in England and Wales every year. Myerson’s Probate Litigation Team is one of the largest in England and Wales. Helen Thompson leads the team and handles contentious probate cases nationwide. The team is recognised for its expertise and has been consistently ranked as tier one in the Legal 500 and recognised by Chambers and Partners.

For more information about our Contentious Probate Team, visit:
https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/contested-probate

Eleanor Clarke, Senior Associate, Contentious Probate, Myerson Solicitors