Ambiguous Wording in a Will Leads To Foreiture in UK

Recently,in the UK the British Prime Minister has said that it would be the right thing for the Conservatives andLiberal Democrats to give up a £520,000 bequest because the intent of the bequest was actually to “benefit the nation” as opposed to benefiting thepolitical parties.

JoanEdwards died at age 90 and left a bequest in her will for “whichevergovernment is in office at the date of my death.” When the confusion began,the parties had agreed to give the Treasury the money as a goof faithgesture. However, the executors of the estate claimed that Miss Edwards’intention was to give the money to the political party that formed the governmentupon her death. As a result the money was distributed and accepted by the parties. However, now Liberal Democratic leader has approved forfeiting theparty’s share of the bequest.

See UK Government Gives Up Bequest, Times of Malta,  Aug. 15, 2013.