Barrister Loses Court Battle Over Mother's £1.2 Million Inheritance
Robert Grierson, a barrister accused of forging his mother’s signature to exclude his younger brother from their inheritance, has lost a significant court case concerning a £1.2 million estate in the UK. The High Court ruling found in favor of his brother, Duncan Grierson, who was left with only £10,000 from their mother Elise's fortune. The court heard that Elise Grierson dramatically altered her will just 16 days after her husband’s death in January 2022, a change that had previously treated both sons equally. Robert claimed that his mother had signed a declaration of trust in 2013, granting him a half share of her £1 million home in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. However, Judge Joanne Wicks KC ruled that both the trust and the revised will were invalid. The judge noted “compelling evidence” suggesting that Elise did not sign the trust document herself, as well as issues with the witnessing of the new will. It was also determined that Robert could not prove his mother was of sound mind when the will was created. During the trial, it was revealed that Robert had not appeared in court to defend himself, leading to the assumption of his responsibility for the alleged forgery. Duncan's barrister, Constance McDonnell KC, highlighted that their parents had worked hard to support both sons, both of whom studied law at the University of Cambridge. Following her husband's death, Elise reportedly suffered from severe grief, depression, and a decline in health, ultimately passing away in March at the age of 84. Duncan challenged the validity of the 2013 trust and the will, asserting that the earlier 2020 will, which divided the estate equally, was the last true expression of their mother’s wishes. Expert analysis of the declaration of trust indicated that Elise’s signature was likely a simulation, with evidence suggesting the use of an “indented tracing guideline” in its production. As Robert failed to provide necessary evidence for his defense earlier this year, the judge was left to decide based solely on Duncan's testimony. In her judgment, Judge Wicks stated, “The expert evidence provided compelling evidence that Elise did not herself sign” the document that purportedly granted Robert half of the house
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