The Ex-Files: I’m angry my dad changed his will, leaving 90% to a woman he met at bridge

Question: My father passed away last month after a short battle with cancer. In recent years he had developed a very close friendship with a woman (Harriet) he met through his bridge club. They would catch up several times a week for lunch or coffee. When my father became unwell, Harriet assisted him by driving him to medical appointments, tending to his garden, and preparing meals for him.

Initially, I was grateful for the support and companionship Harriet provided my father. He had become lonely and depressed after my mother’s death, and he had been prescribed antidepressants. However, I soon became frustrated that Harriet would turn up at my father’s house each time I visited him.

After my father’s death I discovered he had re-written his will, giving 90% of his estate to Harriet, and only 10% to me and my two siblings. An earlier version of my father’s will (which I had seen) divided everything between me and my siblings equally, save for a small charitable donation to the SPCA. The new will was prepared by a lawyer unknown to me, not my father’s long-standing solicitor. It was executed five weeks before his death.

My siblings and I are angry about the situation. Our father’s estate is substantial (approximately $2,500,000). Would it be worthwhile challenging the will?

For the answer, including the relevant factors that point to undue influence by Harriet, important timeframes and other considerations in this scenario, read the full article on the NZ Herald website – click here.

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