Woman Wins Rights Over Husband's Wealth, Initiate Change In Inheritance Practices

The British lawyer calls for change in female inheritance traditions. According to her, she has come across myriads of cases in which women are left out of wills. A lawyer identified as Jessika Bhatti calls out and hopes for a change in attitude towards inheritance among British Asians.

UK Woman Wins Inheritance Rights

Bhatti defended Harbans Kaur, 83, at the High Court last week. Justice Peel heard the case of Kaur wife of late Karnail Singh. Singh of West Midlands left his estate worth between £1.2m and £1.9m, to his two sons. Singh's wife of 66 years and four daughters had no share in his will. On finding that, the court was clear that reasonable provision had not been made for the widow. Hence, the court gave a ruling she should get 50% of the estate's net value. The court gave a verdict in favour of Kaur, in which she was awarded the funds, which her husband left for his sons.

After winning the case, Bhatti said, "I have been inundated with cases of women being left out of wills. I hope this win brings a change in attitude towards inheritance among British Asians."

Bhatti hope for cultural change that would spare others the fight faced by her client. Bhatti also in a report said that after this historic win, there are women who contacted her with similar problems.

Bhatti has Indian origins, she pointed out males are made sole beneficiaries of wealth in older generations of British Asians. However, that has been less prevalent in contemporary times and still exists.

She reportedly stated that it may be a common practice and the family justify it by thinking married women are the responsibility of the husband's family and the sons will look after the mother. But that needs to change.

Bhatti after coming across so many cases learned these problems have created a negative effect on women's mental health. She also believed there are many more in such situations, but the wealth varies from the smaller sums of money to abundant.

Bhatti also felt Kaur's case was not the lengthy or unpleasant trial, which could have taken years to come to court. The court being quick in such matters has sent a message that women should not be excluded from wills. Also, the will writers will be more aware and advise their clients against cutting out women.

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