And finally…rising property prices drive family inheritance disputes to record levels

The number of High Court cases brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 reached 116 in 2015, an 11.5 per cent increase on 2014, when there were 104 High Court claims.

There were more cases where the parties settled out of court.

The number of claims has increased by a factor of eight since 2005, when just 15 cases were heard in the High Court.

The figures, from the London law firm Hugh James, show that a last will and testament is no longer the final word on a person’s estate.

Rising property prices are cited as the main reason for the surge as they swell the value of estates and make a legal challenge potentially far more financially worthwhile, but high levels of divorce and remarriage are also complicating legacies, as members of extended step-families battle for what they consider to be their rightful inheritance.

More children in England and Wales are also challenging donations to charities made by parents in their wills.

The firm said that increased life-expectancy was also changing attitudes to inheritances among the older generation with more parents believing their established middle-aged children did not need a legacy and instead are choosing to leave money to friends and charities.

Roman Kubiak, a partner in the contested wills, trusts and estates team at Hugh James, said: “The increase in asset values and changing family structures has had a huge impact on the number of wills being challenged and claims under the Inheritance Act.

“It is crucial to ensure your wishes and your reasons for leaving just a small token of inheritance or omitting someone from your will are set out clearly.”