Itoweh Susan Ugolor & Ors v Cameron Eseh Ugolor & Anor

Itoweh Susan Ugolor & Ors v Cameron Eseh Ugolor & Anor

The Purported Will was invalid due to want of knowledge and approval; the Deceased did not understand or approve its contents, and the circumstances raised suspicion not allayed by evidence. The estate falls to intestacy. Claims for undue influence and constructive trust failed for lack of evidence. Indemnity costs awarded due to Defendant's conduct.

Parties
Claimant: Ms Itoweh Susan Ugolor; Claimant: Mr Uduoghene Hartley Ugolor; Claimant: Ms Barbara Obatare Anwale Ugolor; Defendant: Mr Cameron Eseh Ugolor; Defendant: Mr Stephen Laycock
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Probate Claim / Final Judgment
Outcome
Purported Will pronounced invalid; estate to be distributed on intestacy; indemnity costs awarded against First Defendant.
Legal Topics
Testamentary Capacity, Knowledge and Approval, Undue Influence, Constructive Trust, Costs Orders, Intestacy
Probate Trusts Property Law Testamentary Capacity Knowledge and Approval Undue Influence Constructive Trust Costs Orders +1 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 7 Authorities cited 30 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 5
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Ms Itoweh Susan Ugolor

Claimant

Mr Uduoghene Hartley Ugolor

Claimant

Ms Barbara Obatare Anwale Ugolor

Claimant

Mr Cameron Eseh Ugolor

Defendant

Mr Stephen Laycock

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Probate Claim / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Validity of the Purported Will
  2. 2 Testamentary capacity of the Deceased
  3. 3 Knowledge and approval of the Purported Will

Ratio Decidendi

The Purported Will was invalid due to want of knowledge and approval; the Deceased did not understand or approve its contents, and the circumstances raised suspicion not allayed by evidence. The estate falls to intestacy. Claims for undue influence and constructive trust failed for lack of evidence. Indemnity costs awarded due to Defendant's conduct.

Court Disposition

Purported Will pronounced invalid; estate to be distributed on intestacy; indemnity costs awarded against First Defendant.

Orders

  • Letters of administration to be granted to one or more Claimants.
  • First Defendant to pay £11,737.18 plus 8% statutory interest from 25 February 2021 to 16 February 2026 to the estate.