It has recently been reported in the news that an inheritance dispute is currently proceeding in the High Court in London that relates to the Estates of Sir Stirling and Lady Susie Moss.
This was of particular interest to me being an avid motor racing fan and contentious probate solicitor.
I briefly met Sir Stirling and Lady Moss at an autograph signing. They were very thoughtful to my then young sons who had queued for a long time.
I was sad to read of the fall out following their deaths.
Sir Stirling Moss died in 2020, he was 90 years of age. He left an Estate totalling around £22 million the majority of which passed to his third wife, Lady Susie.
Sir Stirling had two children; Allison Bradley from his second marriage and Stirling Elliot Moss, known as “Elliot”, whose mother is Lady Moss.
Lady Moss died in 2023 leaving an Estate of some £27.8 million. Pursuant to the last Will, made in 2022, the Estate was placed in a discretionary trust, with Allison Bradley and a family friend, Richard Frankel, as the Trustees.
Elliot Moss’ concern will be that he may not benefit from the Trust.
Allison Bradley has issued proceedings in the High Court in London seeking a declaration that the last Will of Lady Moss was a valid Will.
Elliot Moss is defending that claim and alleging that his late Mother did not have the requisite mental capacity to execute the Will.
He is also asking the High Court to declare that his Mother’s Will made in 2002 is the valid Will. Pursuant to that Will he will receive 75% of the Estate and Allison 25%.
Elliot Moss is also asserting that the 2002 Will was invalid as it was obtained by undue influence exerted by the family friend, Mr Frankel. Mr Frankel is not a party to the claim and does not benefit under the Will.
Aside from sadness at seeing a family falling apart post-death and making assertions regarding missing heirlooms, allegations of attempts to poison Lady Moss’s thinking, and assertions regarding each of their respective relationships with Sir Stirling and Lady Moss what stands out is that this is being laid bare in the High Court and reported in the press.
Ideally such matters are best discussed pre-death, so that everyone knows where they stand and why. If not they are best dealt with behind closed doors at a confidential Mediation. It may be that Mediation took place here but failed.
How we can help
We have specialist Private Client Team who can advise pre-death, and a Contentious Probate Team who can advise if the worst happens. To get in touch with one of our Contentious Probate solicitors, email Robert Weston at robert.weston@mfgsolicitors.com or call 01562 820181.