Testamentary intention vs formality - Conwy Wills and Trusts Ltd

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Barnett v Bem: When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

22 September 2025

Barnett v Bem (2012) is a cautionary tale about how even the clearest intentions can…

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Barnett v Bem: When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough22 September 2025

Barnett v Bem (2012) is a cautionary tale about how even the clearest intentions can fail if a will isn’t executed correctly. Mary Bem wanted her brother to inherit everything, but because the signing formalities weren’t strictly followed, the will was ruled invalid and her estate passed under intestacy instead.

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