Templeman J reminded solicitors of their duty to ensure the satisfactory execution of a will: ‘In the case of an aged testator or a testator who has suffered a serious illness, there is one golden rule which should always be observed, however straightforward matters may appear, and however difficult or tactless it may be to suggest that precautions be taken: the making of a will by such a testator ought to be witnessed or approved by a medical practitioner who satisfies himself of the capacity and understanding of the testator, and records and preserves his examination and findings.’
Judges:
Templeman J
Citations:
(1977) NLJ 487, (1997) SJ 121 224
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Cited by:
Cited – Clancy v Clancy ChD 31-Jul-2003
Four months before her death the deceased, gave instructions for a new will leaving all her estate to her son Edward, omitting his two sisters. Her solicitor drafted a will accordingly and sent it to her. About three months later she was admitted to . .
Approved – Buckenham v Dickinson ChD 1992
The testator was very old, partially blind and deaf. A next door neighbour who had great advantage of long experience in old peoples’ homes, indicated that the testator was of such poor sight and hearing that he was virtually cut off from everything . .
Cited – Potter v Potter FdNI 5-Feb-2003
The testator’s capacity to make his will was challenged. He had lived alone without electricity, but his doctor said he was known to him and was ‘with it’. Evidence from a member of staff at the solicitor’s office supported the doctor’s description. . .
Cited – Robin Sharp and Malcolm Bryson v Grace Collin Adam and Emma Adam and others CA 28-Apr-2006
The testator suffered secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. It was said that he did not have testamentary capacity. He had lost the power of speech but communicated by a speech board. The solicitor had followed appropriate standards in attesting . .
Cited – Key and Another v Key and Others ChD 5-Mar-2010
The will was challenged for want of testamentary capacity. The testator was 89 years old, and the will was made within a week of the death of his wife of 65 years and without the solicitor having taken any proper steps to satisfy himself as to the . .
Cited – Scammell and Another v Farmer ChD 22-May-2008
A challenge was made to will for the alleged lack of capacity of the testatrix who was said to have Alzheimers. The executrix was said to have destroyed hidden evidence.
Held: The 2005 Act had restated the law on capacity in Banks, but had . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Wills and Probate, Legal Professions
Updated: 06 May 2022; Ref: scu.196960