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Our client in this case was a litigation lawyer with a probate matter concerning her late father’s estate, left equally between the 2 children. She was involved in conflicts with her sibling, particularly regarding the division of jewellery.
The estate was quite complicated generally, with a number of assets located both in the United Kingdom and abroad, which in turn meant that it was in both parties interests to resolve disagreements so the estate administartion work could proceed.
The administration of the estate presented a number of challenges. Some of the estate’s assets were discovered to be held in the name of the deceased’s predeceased spouse, necessitating additional legal steps to transfer title and clarify ownership before distribution could proceed.
Significant conflicts among the siblings arose regarding entitlement to various assets including shareholdings and jewellery. Disputes emerged over shares that had been gifted by the client’s parents during their lifetime, as well as potential shares held within a trust.
Further disagreements centred on the division of jewellery and paintings, and the distribution of foreign property.
In relation to foreign property, differing proposals were advanced: at one stage, the siblings suggested purchasing our client’s share of the property, while at another, our client considered acquiring the others’ interests. Due to differences in valuation of foreign property, neither beneficiary accepted each other’s share proposals.
In respect of the jewellery, the siblings were each given the opportunity to purchase items to which they held particular sentimental attachment. Certain gold jewellery was sold, with the sale proceeds distributed equally among the siblings, while the remaining pieces were allocated using a random number generator to ensure fairness and transparency.
A similar approach was taken in relation to the late father’s paintings. The siblings were invited to select the artworks they wished to retain personally or pass on to their respective families, thereby accommodating individual preferences.
With regard to the shareholdings, the shares previously allocated by the parents during their lifetime were formally transferred to the respective beneficiaries, resolving the question of ownership.
As the parties were unable to reach agreement on the valuation and sale of the foreign property, and the without prejudice settlement proposals were not accepted, the property was ultimately partitioned to finalise the division.
The agreed solutions ensured that, despite the existing conflicts, the administration of the estate was brought to a fair and amicable conclusion. Each sibling was able to retain items of jewellery and artwork of particular sentimental value, providing a meaningful connection to their parents’ legacy.
The structured division process of the assets enabled each sibling to receive an equal share of the estate, thereby achieving both fairness and finality in the distribution. The resolution brought closure to a complex and emotionally charged matter.
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