Legal Experts Alert of Inheritance Risk for Maisie George if Max George’s Will is ‘Invalid’
Legal experts are sounding the alarm against potentially invalid wills after The Wanted star Max George disclosed a heart-wrenching decision he had to make prior to surgery. George, aged 36, shared his intense fear when faced with the need for a pacemaker operation, believing he might not survive. Sitting in his hospital bed, he grappled with the possibility of death, realizing the uncertainty of life. Surrounded by much older patients, George reflected on his loved ones, particularly his girlfriend, 23-year-old actress Maisie Smith, and his family, contemplating what would happen if the worst were to occur. Facing his mortality head-on, George took the drastic step of drafting a will on his iPhone on the assumption that it might be his last day alive.
Despite the heartfelt intentions behind this impromptu will, legal professionals at Higgs LLP are cautioning against such reactive measures, especially during times of distress. Craig Ridge, a Partner at Higgs LLP specializing in Contentious Probate, highlighted the potential ramifications of not having a valid will in place. Ridge emphasized that the absence of a legally sound will can lead to complexities in managing assets posthumously, risking family disputes and the likelihood that one’s estate distribution might not align with their actual wishes.
The tragic case of Max George’s late bandmate, Tom Parker, serves as a poignant example. Parker, who succumbed to cancer in 2022, had not executed a valid will. His situation exemplifies the cascading consequences that can follow in the absence of proper estate planning. Ridge underscored that even a legally recognized marriage, as in Parker’s case, does not guarantee complete alignment with the deceased’s desires for asset dispersal.
Max George, however, faces an even more precarious scenario due to his unmarried status with partner Maisie Smith. Without a formalized will, Smith would not automatically inherit George’s estate, potentially complicating matters further. Ridge emphasized the importance of legally binding wills meeting specific requirements, including signatures from the testator and two independent witnesses, a process not inherently met by jotting down directives on a smartphone.
Ridge asserted the significance of entrusting will drafting to professionals to ensure validity and alignment with one’s true intentions. By engaging legal experts or professional will writers, individuals can safeguard their assets, minimize risks, and prevent disputes posthumously. The contentious probate specialist reiterated that a formalized will, beyond mere verbal or digital expressions, is essential for ensuring one’s wishes are accurately reflected and executed.
In a moment of duress or uncertainty, the impulse to document one’s desires swiftly, as seen with George’s iPhone will, can inadvertently render the document invalid under the law. Without a legally acceptable will, the rules of intestacy step in to dictate estate distribution, potentially disregarding the deceased’s explicit intentions. Ridge conclusively stressed the necessity of a legally recognised will to avoid unintended outcomes and ensure one’s legacy is carried out as intended.
The cautionary tale of Max George underscores the critical importance of proactive estate planning, highlighting the potential pitfalls of hastily crafted wills in times of crisis. Legal experts continue to advocate for early and comprehensive will drafting, underscoring the need for professional guidance to uphold one’s final wishes and protect the interests of loved ones left behind. George’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of proper estate planning to safeguard assets and ensure posthumous wishes are faithfully executed.