Wrangle v Brunt & Anor

Wrangle v Brunt & Anor

The court found, on the totality of the evidence, that the will dated 2 March 1999 was not a forgery, was duly executed in Dean Brunt's presence and at his direction, and that Dean knew and approved its contents. The grant of letters of administration to Marlene Brunt was revoked and the will was pronounced for. An independent professional was appointed as substitute personal representative.

Parties
Claimant: Mr Winston Neville Wrangle; First Defendant: Mrs Marlene Alicia Brunt; Second Defendant: Mr Dale Colin Charles Brunt
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
06 July 2020
Procedural Posture
Probate / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim allowed; will pronounced for; grant of letters of administration revoked; independent professional appointed as personal representative.
Legal Topics
Validity of Will, Forgery Allegation, Due Execution, Knowledge and Approval, Revocation of Grant of Administration, Appointment of Personal Representative
Succession Law Probate Validity of Will Forgery Allegation Due Execution Knowledge and Approval Revocation of Grant of Administration Appointment of Personal Representative

Case Brief

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Parties

Mr Winston Neville Wrangle

Claimant

Mrs Marlene Alicia Brunt

First Defendant

Mr Dale Colin Charles Brunt

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Probate / Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the will dated 2 March 1999 was a forgery
  2. 2 Whether the will was duly executed in accordance with the Wills Act 1837
  3. 3 Whether Dean Brunt knew and approved the contents of the will

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the totality of the evidence, that the will dated 2 March 1999 was not a forgery, was duly executed in Dean Brunt's presence and at his direction, and that Dean knew and approved its contents. The grant of letters of administration to Marlene Brunt was revoked and the will was pronounced for. An independent professional was appointed as substitute personal representative.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed; will pronounced for; grant of letters of administration revoked; independent professional appointed as personal representative.

Orders

  • Grant of letters of administration to Marlene Brunt revoked.
  • Will dated 2 March 1999 (executed in duplicate) pronounced for.