A London woman has lost her bid to inherit her mother’s entire £700,000 estate after a court ruled she fraudulently manipulated her dying mother’s hand to sign a will.
Lisa Baverstock, 55, printed a template will from the internet and named herself the sole beneficiary, cutting out her brother, John, 61.
In March 2021, as their mother Margaret lay gravely ill, Lisa placed a pen in her hand and physically guided her to sign the document, despite Margaret being barely responsive. Eight days later, Margaret passed away.
John challenged the will in court, arguing that his mother was unaware of what she was signing and that Lisa had effectively staged the process.
The case took a dramatic turn when damning footage showed Margaret unable to hold the pen or understand what was happening.
Judge Jane Evans-Gordon ruled the will invalid, stating Margaret, who had been diagnosed with dementia, “had no idea what was going on.”
As a result, Margaret was deemed to have died intestate, meaning her estate will be split equally between Lisa and John. Additionally, Lisa has been ordered to pay her brother’s £80,000 legal fees.
The footage presented in court showed Margaret barely able to speak, responding only with faint grunts.
The judge concluded that Lisa “manipulated her mother’s hand and physically caused her to sign the document.”
The ruling ensures John receives his rightful share of the estate, bringing an end to the bitter family dispute.
