IN A landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal a woman who was cut out of her mother’s will has been given an inheritance of £164,000.

Heather Ilott, 54, was awarded the money from her late mother’s Estate even though the mother, when drawing up her will, clearly stated both that the daughter was not to inherit and that the beneficiaries of her will - three charities - should defend any claim made by her daughter against the Estate.

Commenting on the ruling, Adrian Bressington of AB Family Law based in Upton St Leonards, said: “It has undermined the ability of people to leave money and assets in their will to whom they wish.

“This ruling has implications for people drawing up wills in the future.

“It suggests explanations need to be given for reasons why money is left to certain parties, why others have been excluded and also to demonstrate tangible connections to charities receiving large sums in wills for example regular lifetime donations or working for charity.

“While a person can still disinherit children this ruling seems to make it easier and widen possibilities for adult children to claim reasonable financial provision and to challenge wills.”

The Court ruled that Mrs Ilott would otherwise face a life of poverty because she was on benefits and could not afford to pay for holidays or buy clothes for her own children.

Also important was the fact that the mother had little connection to the charities benefitting under her will.