David Coffey, head of wills and probate at Graysons

In the Illot case, Melita Jackson, who died in 2004, left nothing to her daughter, Heather Illot, leaving her assets to three animal charities, the Blue Cross, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  Mrs Illot appealed under the Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975 and was awarded £50,000.  However, after a further appeal to the Court of Appeal, this was increased to £160,000.

The three charities took the case to the Supreme Court and the award has been reduced to £50,000.  The charities have said that they appealed to the Supreme Court largely ‘on principle’ due to the affect the Appeal Court’s decision could have had on other cases.  It is said that some of the Supreme Court judges feel that current law is unacceptable and this is likely to raise questions in the future.

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