When a Simple Will-Writing Error Costs Charities £1 Million

A shocking case has recently come to light in which a small procedural error in a deceased’s will deprived several charities of a £1 million bequest, emphasising just how high the risk can be when wills are not executed correctly.

The case concerns a retired doctor, Rosemary Hill, who drafted a new will in which the bulk of her estate was allocated for charities including Médecins Sans Frontières, the RNLI, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. However, in the final signing, one of the witnesses, who was also a director of the will-writing company, did not sign in Ms Hill’s presence but later had a staff member sign back at the office. That procedural error rendered the new will invalid.

Because the revised document failed to meet legal witnessing requirements, the earlier (2014) will, with its different distribution plan, was treated as the enforceable will. In consequence, the charities received nothing, and half of the estate passed to one of the goddaughters named in the prior will. The charities are now pursuing a professional liability claim against the will-writing firm.

This case highlights that will-writing is not simply a form-filling exercise. Even seemingly minor errors can produce dramatic, unintended outcomes.

For individuals wishing to leave a legacy, particularly to charities or causes dear to them, the lesson is unmistakable: engage a legally qualified professional, ensure formal execution is flawless, and periodically review provisions. At our firm, we guide clients through every step to ensure their wishes are honoured securely, avoiding precisely the kind of tragedy exposed by this case.

If you would like to discuss updating or making a will with us, please call us on 01525372140, or email us at reception@austinandcarnley.co.uk or use our CHAT WITH US! feature on the front page of our website.