Contesting a will ?
My stepfather passed away in December and his funeral was just before Christmas. This man married my mum when I was 4 and they were still married when she passed away in 2015. They had no other children, I’m an only child.
He was a violent and unpredictable man and he also sexually abused me from the ages of 4 till 14.
My mum died very unexpectedly at home and when I went there to see her body before they took her away he told me that everything would be left to me in the will, because he “owed me”. As if that could fix everything he ever did to me. This man destroyed my life in every possible way and I struggle every single day with the pain and trauma.
Turns out he has a short memory and he has left everything to a friend of his and her children, and nothing to me and my 3 kids. He had been sick with cancer and made a few remarks on facebook about his family deserting him etc. I think he expected me to nurse him when even the thought of being in the same room with him filled me with dread and horrible anxiety.
I have spoken to a lawyer about contesting the will and they said I have a good case but for some reason I am hesitating. Any advice ? Please be kind, I’m not in a good place atm.
11 Replies
Go for it! Whatever your mum had has gone to him. It is rightfully all yours if he had no children. I wouldn't feel guilty or anything.
Do it!
Show him upstairs that you’re strong and worthy.
Show him his last piece of abuse won’t be tolerated.
My mum contested a will and got what she deserved, you can too.
I would leave it because it would be avoidable distress. But that's just me.
Contest it.
Go for it! You are well within your rights too. You are at the very least entitled to your mums half of their assets!
Depends on how you are feeling strength wise. It could re-traumatise you. Personally if you have a mental health professional I’d discuss this with them..
A friend of mine contested her Dads will. She was ignored by him most of her life, she despised him but looked at it as "compensation" for growing up without a supportive Dad. You could look at it the same way, compensation for what he did to you. If it still feels too strange gaining anything from him put it away for your kids.
Do it for yourself and your kids! Treat them to a holiday and a big FUCK YOU to him 👌
I'd do it.
You most definitely can contest it. Given it is your mum and step dads money, that gives you right to do it. You can find law firms willing to do it under a no win no fee way as well. It’s usually pretty straight forward.
I'd definitely do it. Just find lawyer's who won't rob you blind in the process. Try and find a para legal and get her / him to do all the work at 1/3 of the price and on the last day before trial, bring in a lawyer.