Overview
- Central London County Court Judge Jane Evans-Gordon upheld the will, rejecting a capacity challenge by great-nephew Ben Chiswick.
- The decision leaves the entire estate to Simon and Catherine Stock, with Ben Chiswick receiving nothing.
- The family rift followed a 2019 suggestion that Doreen try a care home and a later capacity assessment that distressed her.
- The judge found Doreen’s criticisms of the Chiswicks were unfair but not irrational, which did not amount to incapacity.
- Evidence showed sparse contact from Ben compared with local support from the Stocks, and the estate is reported at about £400,000.