Will valid despite evidence of lack of mental capacity

The recent case of Burns v Burns [2016] EWCA Civ 37 provides the latest statement from the Courts regarding the law on testamentary capacity (i.e. the mental capacity required to make a valid Will) and the basis upon which a Will can be overturned for lack of capacity or want of knowledge and approval.  

In this case the England and Wales Court of Appeal upheld the Will of an elderly woman, despite clear evidence of a decline in her mental capacity at the time of execution.

The facts

The testatrix, Mrs Eva Burns, was a widow with two sons, Anthony and Colin. Mrs Burns died aged 89 in May 2010. By Will dated May 2003 (the "2003 Will"), Mrs Burns provided that her 50% share in her only property was to be left entirely to her son, Anthony. Colin already owned the other half of the property, pursuant to an earlier transfer. The rest of her estate was to be divided between her two sons equally.

However, a year and a half later, in November 2004, Mrs Burns instructed a solicitor to prepare a new Will, which she executed some time later in July 2005 (the "2005 Will"). The 2005 Will instead left her whole estate to be divided equally between her two sons. This meant that Colin would end up with a 75% share in the family home, and Anthony only 25%.

There was clear evidence that Mrs Burns' mental health had declined prior to her instructions for, and her execution of, the 2005 Will. In October 2003 a "Mini Mental State Examination" revealed that Mrs Burns was not able to state the date (day, month, season or year) nor was she able to write a sentence or recall three common objects mentioned to her by the nurse only a few minutes earlier.

Further tests carried out in May 2005 and July 2005 produced similar results. 

The manager of the day care centre Mrs Burns attended in 2004 gave evidence that at that time Mrs Burns was suffering moderate to severe dementia and could not recall the manager's name.

It also became apparent that the solicitor who prepared the 2005 Will failed to follow the "golden rule" of testamentary capacity. The golden rule provides that where a solicitor is instructed by an elderly testator, or has any doubt as to the capacity of the testator, the solicitor should take active steps to consider the issue of capacity, which can include seeking a medical opinion and having the Will witnessed or approved by a medical practitioner. In this case, the solicitor failed to do so, and even failed to ask simple, customary questions to verify Mrs Burn's state of mind.

In light of this evidence, Anthony, understandably, challenged the 2005 Will. He argued that the 2005 Will was invalid on the basis that his mother lacked mental capacity at the date of its purported execution, and on the basis that she did not understand or approve the contents. There was no dispute as to the validity of the 2003 Will and therefore, if the 2005 Will was invalid, the 2003 Will would be declared as the last Will and be admitted to probate. 

The judge at first instance's decision

By his judgment on 12 March 2014, the trial judge criticised the solicitor for his ignorance of the "golden rule" and for some "gaps" in his documentation. Nevertheless, somewhat unexpectedly, the trial judge found the 2005 Will valid. The trial judge took the view that, even though he did not take the "golden rule" precautions, the experienced solicitor would probably have noticed any serious sign of a lack of capacity. The judge was also swayed to find the will valid, simply because it appeared rational and simple on the face of it.

The appeal

Anthony appealed, asserting, amongst other things, that the judge did not give due weight to the evidence.

His appeal was unsuccessful.

While it was noted that the evidence clearly raised doubts as to Mrs Burns' capacity, the Court of Appeal found that the judge at first instance was entitled to make the findings which he did and concluded, amongst other things, that the dispositions set out in the 2005 Will were rational and simple and therefore it was more likely than not that Mrs Burns at least had capacity to recognise that what she was signing was a will in the form she had instructed (i.e. establishing testamentary capacity under the rule of Parker v Felgate [1883] 8 P.D. 171, Parker).

What does this mean?

This case should sound alarm bells to those who are considering a claim of lack of capacity or want of knowledge and approval. It is clear this case is going to make capacity claims exceptionally difficult where the Will is simple and appears rational, even where there is strong evidence of mental impairment.

Please contact our Disputed Wills and Trusts Team by telephone on freephone 0800 0931336, or by email at willdisputes@ashfords.co.uk for a no obligation chat to see how we can help you.