Life Long Law
The Bentley or the Volvo – the dangers of ambiguous drafting
Olive Watkins died in 2010 aged 90. Mrs Watkins made a Will in October 2000, leaving £110,000 and her ‘principal motor car’ to Mr Weidner.
Mr Weidner, her partner of 40 years, is now suing the son of the deceased, Mr Robert Watkins, for a Bentley worth £200,000. Mr Watkins is an executor of the estate and disputes Mr Weidner’s claim to the car. Mr Watkins claims to have sold it.
At Pannone we aim to draft your wills so that they fit your circumstances today but also those in 5 years time. Whilst some people buy a new car every few years, others wait until their car is on its last leg/wheel before purchasing another one. A gift of your ‘principal motor car’ needs to be clear so that your executors can easily identify the car and administer your estate efficiently. The gift should either make it clear which car you are giving to your beneficiary or provide your executors with a definition, so they can work out what your ‘principal’ vehicle is at any one time.
According to Mr Weidner, the only car Mrs Watkins owned at the time of her death was the Bentley as she had transferred ownership of her other car, a Volvo, to him in 1992. The case continues.
If you would like advice on your existing will or help making a new one, please contact one of our specialist solicitors on 0800 840 4929.
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Posted by Pannone Solicitor
Wed, 25 January 2012
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