Thomas v Jeffery & ors [2012] EWCA Civ 693

January/February 2013 #126

The appellant (Richard) had successfully brought an application for reasonable financial provision from the estate of his late father. This had been initially expressed as a family provision and proprietary estoppel claim for some 50% of the deceased’s estate. The proprietary estoppel claim was dropped but the level of provision claimed under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 remained unaltered.

Richard provided little information on his financial position until directed to do so by the recorder at trial. This late disclosure proved the...