cco.json · contested-will-advice · complete
{
"entities_and_roles": [
{
"name": "Dr Elowen Marchant",
"role": "Client, daughter, potential claimant and beneficiary under earlier wills",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Miriam’s elder biological daughter. She says she expected equal treatment with Kit under the 2018 will, but was told the purported 2025 will gives her £5,000. She seeks information and advice about challenging the final will and preserving estate assets.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Elowen is Miriam’s elder biological daughter.",
"She received an unsigned copy of the will dated 22 August 2025 after repeated requests.",
"The unsigned copy gives her a £5,000 pecuniary legacy.",
"She has not seen the signed original or will-preparation papers."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I am Miriam Celeste Marchant’s elder biological daughter."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "note",
"id": "note by Amira Shah, Solicitor 2026-03-13",
"name": "Attendance note — initial call with Dr Elowen Marchant",
"timestamp": "2026-03-13T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Amira Shah, Solicitor"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Elowen wants advice about challenging the circumstances and effect of Miriam’s final will. She also wants to obtain the will-preparation file and relevant medical and financial information, and wants estate assets not to be distributed before the position is clarified."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"role": "Deceased testator and estate owner",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Retired pharmacist, usual resident and sole owner of Quarry Bank. She died on 14 February 2026. The file contains executed-copy wills from 2004 and 2018, and an unsigned copy of a purported will dated 22 August 2025.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam died at Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury, on 14 February 2026.",
"Her usual address was 8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill.",
"The 2018 will appointed Elowen and Kit as executors and left residue equally to them, subject to Ronan’s two-year occupation right.",
"The purported 2025 will is presently available only as an unsigned copy."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"name": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-02-19T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Shropshire Registration Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Date and place of death: 14 February 2026, Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Estate assets - Elowen notes 12.3.26.xlsx",
"name": "ESTATE ASSETS — WORKING SCHEDULE",
"timestamp": "2026-03-12T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill (title SL920617) Miriam Celeste Marchant — sole owner; mortgage-free."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "COPY — UNSIGNED"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant",
"role": "Miriam’s son; purported sole executor and principal beneficiary under the purported 2025 will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Elowen’s younger brother. He informed Elowen of the £5,000 legacy, sent the unsigned 2025 will copy, says he will send the signed original to solicitors, and intends to instruct Whitlock Fenner Solicitors. Under the copy, he is sole executor, receives £25,000 and the Volvo, and is stated to receive 30% of residue.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Kit emailed Elowen on 23 February 2026 that the will named him sole executor and gave her £5,000.",
"On 27 February 2026 he sent an unsigned copy and said he would send the signed original to solicitors.",
"He said on 4 March 2026 that he had not applied for probate and intended to instruct Whitlock Fenner Solicitors."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "message",
"id": "Re: Mum’s will and estate",
"name": "Re: Mum’s will and estate",
"timestamp": "2026-02-23T16:42:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mum’s will leaves you a pecuniary legacy of £5,000. The will names me as sole executor."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"name": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-02-27T10:14:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "This is what Mum wanted. I will send the signed original to the solicitors."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"name": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-03-04T10:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I intend to instruct Whitlock Fenner Solicitors, 21 Broad Street, Ludlow, to obtain probate and administer Mum’s estate. I have not applied for a grant of probate myself."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Ronan Elias Preece",
"role": "Miriam’s unmarried long-term partner, occupier, beneficiary and death-certificate informant",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Ronan lived with Miriam at Quarry Bank, was present at clinical appointments, and remains there after her death. Under the purported 2025 will copy he has a personal, rent-free occupation right for as long as he wishes; the attendance note records that he is also said to receive 70% of residue. His daughters receive legacies under the copy.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Ronan was present at Miriam’s death and registered it as her partner.",
"He attended the 2023 memory assessment and the May 2025 oncology appointment.",
"The 2025 copy grants him a non-transferable right to occupy Quarry Bank rent-free for as long as he wishes.",
"He called Briar & Keene in early August 2025 seeking an urgent appointment for Miriam."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"name": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-02-19T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Shropshire Registration Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Name and surname of informant: Ronan Elias Preece\nQualification of informant: Partner of the deceased, present at the death"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I give to my partner, Ronan Elias Preece, the personal right to occupy my property known as 8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill, Shropshire, SY8 3PL (“Quarry Bank”), together with the garden, former dispensary building and the contents normally used and enjoyed with the house, rent-free for as long as he wishes."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Ms Quill told me that Ronan Elias Preece had telephoned Briar & Keene in early August 2025 to request an appointment because Miriam Celeste Marchant “needed to update everything urgently”."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Nerys Aline Preece",
"role": "Named pecuniary beneficiary under the purported 2025 will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Ronan’s daughter, stated in the unsigned 2025 will copy to receive £10,000 if she survived Miriam by 28 days.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2025 copy gives Nerys £10,000.",
"The gift is subject to the 28-day survivorship provision."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "to Nerys Aline Preece the sum of TEN THOUSAND POUNDS (£10,000);"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Harriet Lorna Preece",
"role": "Named pecuniary beneficiary under the purported 2025 will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Ronan’s daughter, stated in the unsigned 2025 will copy to receive £10,000 if she survived Miriam by 28 days.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2025 copy gives Harriet £10,000.",
"The gift is subject to the 28-day survivorship provision."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "to Harriet Lorna Preece the sum of TEN THOUSAND POUNDS (£10,000)."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Lydia Faye Quill",
"role": "Will writer at Briar & Keene Wills Ltd and attesting witness to Miriam Celeste Marchant’s final will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "The person Elowen spoke to at Briar & Keene about the purported 2025 will. According to Elowen’s note, she visited Quarry Bank before signing, met Miriam alone for about 20 minutes on 18 August 2025, and declined to release the preparation file without executor authority. Lydia Faye Quill and Darren Michael Sallow attended Quarry Bank on 22 August 2025 and were the two attesting witnesses to the will signed there that day.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Quill said the preparation file could not be released without the executor’s authority.",
"Elowen understood that Quill met Miriam alone for approximately 20 minutes on 18 August 2025.",
"Elowen does not know whether Quill obtained medical records, contacted the GP, sought a capacity assessment, retained attendance notes, or sent a draft directly to Miriam.",
"Lydia Faye Quill and Darren Michael Sallow attended Quarry Bank on 22 August 2025 and were the two attesting witnesses to Miriam Celeste Marchant’s will signed there that day."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "She said that she could not release the preparation file without the executor’s authority."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "My understanding from what Ms Quill said is that she met Mum alone for approximately 20 minutes on 18 August 2025."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"timestamp": null,
"author": null
},
"passage": {
"text": "DATED 22 AUGUST 2025"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Darren Michael Sallow",
"role": "Named attesting witness to the purported 2025 will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Listed in the contact records as a named attesting witness. The available extracted text of the unsigned copy does not include its execution/attestation page.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The contact record identifies him as the named attesting witness.",
"Only an unsigned copy of the purported 2025 will has been supplied to Elowen."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "note",
"id": "note by Amira Shah, Solicitor 2026-04-08",
"name": "File note — documents received and probate search",
"timestamp": "2026-04-08T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Amira Shah, Solicitor"
},
"passage": {
"text": "No signed original of the will dated 22 August 2025 has been provided to Elowen."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Patience Rowena Dacre",
"role": "Potential factual witness",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Miriam Celeste Marchant’s former neighbour and Elowen’s long-standing family acquaintance, and a potential factual witness.",
"supporting_facts": [
"After the funeral, Patience told Elowen that Miriam had said during summer 2025, “Ronan and Kit keep telling me Elowen only wants my money”.",
"Patience recalled Miriam becoming distressed in August 2025 because she could not find a folder containing old papers.",
"Patience said Ronan told her in August 2025 that Miriam “didn’t need to be bothering herself with legal things”."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": null,
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": null,
"author": null
},
"passage": {
"text": "Elowen records that, after Miriam’s funeral, Patience Dacre told her that Miriam had said during summer 2025, “Ronan and Kit keep telling me Elowen only wants my money”; that Patience recalled Miriam becoming distressed in August 2025 because she could not find a folder containing old papers; and that Ronan told Patience in August 2025 that Miriam “didn’t need to be bothering herself with legal things”."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Dr Saira Wenlock",
"role": "Miriam’s former GP",
"type": "individual",
"description": "GP at Clee Hill Medical Practice, copied into the Memory Clinic letter and named in hospital correspondence. Her records may bear on Miriam’s health, cognition and support needs.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The Memory Clinic planned to notify Dr Wenlock of the mild vascular dementia diagnosis.",
"The March 2025 discharge plan included GP review within seven days."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Copy to: Dr Saira Wenlock, Clee Hill Medical Practice"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Discharge-summary-March-2025.pdf",
"name": "Discharge summary",
"timestamp": "2025-03-18T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital NHS Trust"
},
"passage": {
"text": "GP review within seven days to monitor hydration, weight, diabetes management and support needs."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Rhodri Iestyn Marchant",
"role": "Elowen’s husband; household-finance witness",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Self-employed architectural technician and co-owner with Elowen of their home. His income and estimated tax liability form part of Elowen’s recorded household financial position.",
"supporting_facts": [
"He and Elowen jointly own 14 Celandine Row, subject to a mortgage.",
"His estimated net drawings for 2025/26 are £21,000.",
"An estimated £6,200 self-assessment amount is due on 31 January 2027."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "RIM-2025-26-SA-estimate-10Apr26.pdf",
"name": "Provisional Self-Assessment estimate",
"timestamp": "2026-04-10T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Harrowby Accountancy"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Estimated net drawings for the year ended 5 April 2026: £21,000"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "RIM-2025-26-SA-estimate-10Apr26.pdf",
"name": "Provisional Self-Assessment estimate",
"timestamp": "2026-04-10T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Harrowby Accountancy"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Estimated unpaid Self Assessment amount: £6,200\nEstimated payment due date: 31 January 2027"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Tomas Ivor Marchant",
"role": "Miriam’s adult grandson",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Elowen and Rhodri’s adult son. He attended Miriam’s funeral and lived in rented accommodation in Sheffield while undertaking an engineering apprenticeship.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam cared for Tomas one day a week between 2005 and 2010.",
"He attended the funeral with Elowen and Rhodri."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mum cared for Tomas one day a week between 2005 and 2010 while I returned to work after maternity leave."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Gareth Owen Marchant",
"role": "Miriam’s former husband; executor under the 2004 will",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Named with Marjorie Holt as executor and trustee in Miriam’s 2004 will. He is not appointed under the available 2018 or purported 2025 wills.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2004 will describes him as Miriam’s former husband.",
"The 2004 will appoints him and Marjorie Holt executors and trustees."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "2004will-Marchant-oldscan.pdf",
"name": "Last Will and Testament of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 15 July 2004",
"timestamp": "2004-07-15T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Anstice Rowe & Bell"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I APPOINT my former husband, GARETH OWEN MARCHANT, of 33 Brynward Terrace, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, and my cousin, MARJORIE FENELLA HOLT, of 4 The Laurels, Church Stretton, Shropshire, to be the Executors and Trustees of this my Will"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Marjorie Fenella Holt",
"role": "Miriam’s cousin; executor under the 2004 will and contingent beneficiary",
"type": "individual",
"description": "Named in Miriam’s 2004 will as co-executor and trustee with Gareth Marchant, and as ultimate substitute residuary beneficiary in the contingency stated there.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2004 will calls her Miriam’s cousin.",
"She is appointed an executor and trustee in that will.",
"She is the ultimate beneficiary if neither child nor any issue survives Miriam."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "2004will-Marchant-oldscan.pdf",
"name": "Last Will and Testament of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 15 July 2004",
"timestamp": "2004-07-15T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Anstice Rowe & Bell"
},
"passage": {
"text": "IF neither of my said children nor any issue of either of them shall survive me, I GIVE my residuary estate to MARJORIE FENELLA HOLT absolutely."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"role": "Will-writing business said to have prepared the purported 2025 will",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "The firm shown on the unsigned 2025 will copy. It holds or may hold the original will and preparation material, but declined Elowen’s request for the file without executor authority.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The unsigned copy bears Briar & Keene’s name and Ludlow address.",
"Quill said the firm could not release the preparation file without executor authority."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "BRIAR & KEENE WILLS LTD\n47 Corve Street\nLudlow\nSY8 1DU"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I left without seeing the signed original will or any preparation papers."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Dovetail Legal LLP",
"role": "Former solicitors and preparer of the 2018 will",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "The firm named on the photocopy of Miriam’s 9 April 2018 will.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2018 will is headed Dovetail Legal LLP, Solicitors, Shrewsbury."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "scan_20260311_101842.pdf",
"name": "Last Will and Testament of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 9 April 2018",
"timestamp": "2018-04-09T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dovetail Legal LLP"
},
"passage": {
"text": "DOVETAIL LEGAL LLP\nSolicitors, Shrewsbury"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Whitlock Fenner Solicitors",
"role": "Solicitors Kit intended to instruct for probate and administration",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "The proposed firm for the estate administration. The file does not establish that it was actually instructed.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Kit said he intended to instruct the firm.",
"He said he had not personally applied for probate."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"name": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-03-04T10:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I intend to instruct Whitlock Fenner Solicitors, 21 Broad Street, Ludlow, to obtain probate and administer Mum’s estate."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Clee Hill Medical Practice",
"role": "Miriam’s GP practice and potential holder of medical records",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "Miriam’s GP practice, with Dr Saira Wenlock identified as GP in the medical correspondence.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The Memory Clinic letter was copied to Dr Wenlock at this practice.",
"Elowen asked whether Briar & Keene had contacted Dr Wenlock but does not know whether it did."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Copy to: Dr Saira Wenlock, Clee Hill Medical Practice"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I also asked whether she had contacted Dr Saira Wenlock, Mum’s GP. I do not know whether she contacted Dr Wenlock."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Pember & Stagg",
"role": "Property consultants providing a preliminary appraisal of Quarry Bank",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "Provided a preliminary, non-formal market appraisal of Quarry Bank dated 25 February 2026, addressed to Kit.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The appraisal gives a likely open-market range of £620,000–£650,000.",
"It expressly is not a formal probate, tax, lending or litigation valuation.",
"It does not verify the effect of occupier rights or interests on vacant possession."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Pember_Stagg_preliminary_appraisal_25-02-26.pdf",
"name": "Preliminary market appraisal",
"timestamp": "2026-02-25T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Owen Harcourt, Pember & Stagg"
},
"passage": {
"text": "our current opinion is that the likely open-market value is in the region of £620,000 to £650,000."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Pember_Stagg_preliminary_appraisal_25-02-26.pdf",
"name": "Preliminary market appraisal",
"timestamp": "2026-02-25T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Owen Harcourt, Pember & Stagg"
},
"passage": {
"text": "This is an informal preliminary appraisal only and is not a formal valuation for probate, lending, taxation or litigation purposes."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Hearthside Home Support",
"role": "Provider of Miriam’s home-care package",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "Issued the final account for care supplied at Quarry Bank during January and February 2026. The statement records total charges and payments of £4,860, with a nil closing balance.",
"supporting_facts": [
"January and February 2026 each generated £2,430 care charges.",
"The account records £4,860 total payments and £4,860 total charges.",
"The closing balance is nil."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "care-fees Jan-Feb 2026.pdf",
"name": "Final account statement",
"timestamp": "2026-02-28T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Hearthside Home Support"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Total care charges for statement period: £4,860.00\nTotal payments received for statement period: £4,860.00\nClosing balance: £0.00"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "County Hospital Memory Clinic / County Hospital NHS Trust",
"role": "Medical providers recording Miriam’s cognition, illness and treatment decisions",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "The Memory Clinic assessed Miriam in November 2023 and diagnosed mild vascular dementia. County Hospital admitted her in March 2025, identified pancreatic cancer, and its oncology service recorded palliative treatment in May 2025.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The Memory Clinic described mild vascular dementia and cognitive difficulties.",
"In March 2025 Miriam was admitted with dehydration and a pancreatic mass was identified.",
"In May 2025 oncology recorded pancreatic adenocarcinoma, no major surgery, and a palliative approach."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "the overall picture is consistent with mild vascular dementia."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Oncology-clinic-letter-May-2025.pdf",
"name": "Oncology clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2025-05-20T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Oncology Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mrs Marchant has pancreatic adenocarcinoma, identified following her admission. Following discussion of the diagnosis, likely course and available options, she has decided not to proceed with major surgery. The treatment approach is therefore palliative."
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "HM Courts & Tribunals Service",
"role": "Probate-records authority",
"type": "organisation",
"description": "Conducted the probate-record search on 7 April 2026, which located no grant of probate or letters of administration record for Miriam as at that date.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The search found no grant or letters record as at 7 April 2026.",
"The result does not establish whether an application was made, awaiting processing, withdrawn, or later submitted."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Probate search result 07-04-2026.pdf",
"name": "Probate records search result",
"timestamp": "2026-04-07T00:00:00Z",
"author": "HM Courts & Tribunals Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "No grant of probate or letters of administration record has been located for Miriam Celeste Marchant, deceased, as at 7 April 2026."
}
}
]
}
],
"places_and_location": [
{
"location": "8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill, Shropshire, SY8 3PL",
"type": "Residence and principal estate property",
"relevance": "Miriam’s long-term home, the estate’s principal recorded asset, the place of Ronan’s occupation, and the reported location of the will-writer’s pre-signing visit. It is central to the competing occupation provisions and estate valuation.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam lived there from 1991 until her death.",
"The working schedule records Miriam as sole owner, mortgage-free, with an approximate £635,000 value at death.",
"The 2025 copy gives Ronan a rent-free occupation right for as long as he wishes.",
"The 2018 will instead gave Ronan occupation for two years from death."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mum was a retired pharmacist. She lived at 8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill, Shropshire, SY8 3PL, from 1991 until she died."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Estate assets - Elowen notes 12.3.26.xlsx",
"name": "ESTATE ASSETS — WORKING SCHEDULE",
"timestamp": "2026-03-12T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "8 Quarry Bank, Clee Hill (title SL920617) Miriam Celeste Marchant — sole owner; mortgage-free. Ronan Elias Preece’s lifetime occupation right affects vacant-possession saleability."
}
}
]
},
{
"location": "Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury",
"type": "Place of death",
"relevance": "Miriam died there on 14 February 2026; this fixes the commencement of estate administration and the point from which will survivorship and occupation provisions operate.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The death certificate records Miriam’s death there on 14 February 2026.",
"Ronan was present at the death."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"name": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-02-19T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Shropshire Registration Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Date and place of death: 14 February 2026, Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury"
}
}
]
},
{
"location": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd, 47 Corve Street, Ludlow, SY8 1DU",
"type": "Will-writer’s office",
"relevance": "The business named on the unsigned 2025 will copy and where Elowen sought access to the original and preparation file on 3 March 2026.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The unsigned copy identifies this office.",
"Elowen attended there and was refused the preparation file absent executor authority."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd, 47 Corve Street, Ludlow"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "She said that she could not release the preparation file without the executor’s authority."
}
}
]
},
{
"location": "14 Celandine Row, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1QH",
"type": "Elowen and Rhodri’s home",
"relevance": "Elowen’s household financial position is recorded in connection with her personal circumstances. The property is jointly owned, mortgaged, and its value and liabilities are recorded in the questionnaire.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Elowen and Rhodri jointly own the property under title SL184920.",
"It was valued at approximately £385,000 on 6 January 2026.",
"The mortgage balance was approximately £146,500 at 1 March 2026, with £1,026 monthly repayments."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "We jointly own our home at 14 Celandine Row, Ludlow, under title number SL184920."
}
}
]
},
{
"location": "The Church of St Milburga, Stoke St Milborough; Cross on the Hill, Clee Hill",
"type": "Funeral and family gathering venues",
"relevance": "These locations provide context for the family relationship after Miriam’s death: Elowen, Rhodri and Tomas attended the funeral; Kit attended but left before the family gathering.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The funeral was on 6 March 2026 at the Church of St Milburga.",
"Kit left before the gathering at Cross on the Hill."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I attended her funeral at The Church of St Milburga, Stoke St Milborough, on 6 March 2026 with Rhodri and Tomas. My younger brother, Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant, attended but left before the family gathering at Cross on the Hill, Clee Hill."
}
}
]
}
],
"events": [
{
"event": "Miriam’s cognitive assessment and diagnosis",
"date": "2023-11-16 to 2023-12-05",
"type": "Medical/cognitive-history event",
"impact": "Creates documented pre-existing cognitive difficulties, medication support needs and a diagnosis of mild vascular dementia before the purported 2025 will.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"County Hospital Memory Clinic",
"Dr Saira Wenlock"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam reported increasing short-term memory difficulties.",
"Her cognitive screening score was 22/30.",
"The clinic concluded that the overall picture was consistent with mild vascular dementia.",
"Ronan was assisting with medication organisation."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Your score was 22 out of 30. This result, together with the history provided and the available clinical information, indicates difficulties in several areas of cognition, particularly recent memory and aspects of planning and organisation."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "the overall picture is consistent with mild vascular dementia."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Miriam’s hospital admission, cancer identification and discharge home with Ronan",
"date": "2025-03-08 to 2025-03-18",
"type": "Medical event",
"impact": "Documents serious physical illness, frailty-related support needs, pancreatic cancer identification, and Ronan’s role in reporting deterioration and receiving Miriam home on discharge before the August 2025 will-making events.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"County Hospital NHS Trust",
"Dr Saira Wenlock"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam was admitted with poor intake, weight loss, dizziness and dehydration.",
"CT identified a pancreatic mass, later assessed as pancreatic cancer.",
"Miriam declined major pancreatic surgery.",
"She was discharged to Quarry Bank with Ronan."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Discharge-summary-March-2025.pdf",
"name": "Discharge summary",
"timestamp": "2025-03-18T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital NHS Trust"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Her partner, Ronan Elias Preece, reported that she had been eating and drinking very little for several days and had become increasingly weak."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Discharge-summary-March-2025.pdf",
"name": "Discharge summary",
"timestamp": "2025-03-18T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital NHS Trust"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Ms Marchant is discharged home to 8 Quarry Bank with Ronan Elias Preece."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Palliative chemotherapy commencement and oncology review",
"date": "2025-05 (palliative chemotherapy commenced earlier in the month); 2025-05-20 (oncology review)",
"type": "Medical-treatment event",
"impact": "Confirms that Miriam had pancreatic adenocarcinoma and was receiving palliative chemotherapy several months before the purported 2025 will.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"County Hospital Oncology Service"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Ronan attended the oncology consultation.",
"Miriam had decided against major surgery.",
"Palliative chemotherapy had commenced earlier in May 2025."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Oncology-clinic-letter-May-2025.pdf",
"name": "Oncology clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2025-05-20T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Oncology Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Clinic date: 20 May 2025"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Oncology-clinic-letter-May-2025.pdf",
"name": "Oncology clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2025-05-20T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Oncology Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Palliative chemotherapy commenced earlier this month."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Transfers and payment from Miriam’s sole savings account",
"date": "2025-08-15 to 2025-11-04",
"type": "Financial event",
"impact": "Records a £38,000 transfer to a Miriam/Ronan joint account and a £12,500 payment to Ronan during the period surrounding the purported will. Kit characterised the £38,000 transfer to the Miriam/Ronan joint Barclays account as a household contingency account. The Barclays statement records the £12,500 payment to Ronan Elias Preece on 4 November 2025 with the reference “carer support”.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"Barclays",
"Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"£38,000 was transferred to the joint account on 15 August 2025.",
"£12,500 was paid to Ronan on 4 November 2025 with reference 'carer support'.",
"Kit says the £38,000 was a household contingency account."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Barclays_sole_accounts_Aug25-Jan26.pdf",
"name": "Barclays_sole_accounts_Aug25-Jan26.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-01-31T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Barclays"
},
"passage": {
"text": "15 August 2025 Transfer to joint account — Miriam Celeste Marchant / Ronan Elias Preece £38,000.00"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Barclays_sole_accounts_Aug25-Jan26.pdf",
"name": "Barclays_sole_accounts_Aug25-Jan26.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-01-31T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Barclays"
},
"passage": {
"text": "4 November 2025 Payment to Ronan Elias Preece carer support £12,500.00"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"name": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-03-04T10:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "The £38,000 moved into the joint Barclays account on 15 August was a household contingency account, not money that had disappeared."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Purported 2025 will-preparation meeting at Quarry Bank",
"date": "2025-08-18",
"type": "Will-preparation event",
"impact": "The only current account of the preparation process records an approximately 20-minute meeting between Miriam and Lydia Quill alone, with Ronan and Kit elsewhere in Quarry Bank. The preparation file, medical-record position, capacity-assessment position and draft-delivery route are not known to Elowen.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Lydia Faye Quill",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant",
"Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Ronan had requested an urgent appointment in early August 2025.",
"Quill visited Quarry Bank once before the signing meeting.",
"Elowen understood that Quill met Miriam alone for approximately 20 minutes on 18 August 2025.",
"Ronan and Kit were in Quarry Bank, but not understood to be in the meeting room."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "My understanding from what Ms Quill said is that she met Mum alone for approximately 20 minutes on 18 August 2025. I understood that Ronan and Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant were in Quarry Bank during that visit. I did not understand from her that either of them was in the room for the meeting between Ms Quill and Mum."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Signing of Miriam Celeste Marchant’s final will",
"date": "2025-08-22",
"type": "Will event",
"impact": "Miriam Celeste Marchant signed her final will on 22 August 2025 in the downstairs sitting room at 8 Quarry Bank. Lydia Faye Quill and Darren Michael Sallow attended Quarry Bank and were the two attesting witnesses. Ronan Elias Preece and Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant were present in the house, but Elowen does not know whether either was in the room when the will was explained or signed. The unsigned copy materially changes the available testamentary scheme: Kit is sole executor; Elowen receives £5,000; Ronan receives an enduring rent-free occupation right; Kit, Ronan and Ronan’s daughters receive benefits. Elowen has received only an unsigned copy and has not been provided with the signed original.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant",
"Dr Elowen Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"Nerys Aline Preece",
"Harriet Lorna Preece",
"Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"Lydia Faye Quill",
"Darren Michael Sallow"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"The available instrument is marked 'COPY — UNSIGNED' and dated 22 August 2025.",
"It appoints Kit sole executor and trustee.",
"It gives Elowen £5,000, Kit £25,000 and the Volvo, and £10,000 each to Nerys and Harriet.",
"It grants Ronan occupation rent-free for as long as he wishes."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "COPY — UNSIGNED\n\nWILL OF MIRIAM CELESTE MARCHANT\n\nDATED 22 AUGUST 2025"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I appoint my son, Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant, of 3 Old Maltings Yard, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8HT, to be the sole Executor and Trustee of this my Will."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"name": "Client questionnaire - Elowen M - returned.pdf",
"timestamp": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Miriam signed the final will on 22 August 2025 in the downstairs sitting room at 8 Quarry Bank. Lydia Faye Quill and Darren Michael Sallow attended Quarry Bank and were the two attesting witnesses. Ronan Elias Preece and Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant were in the house, but I do not know whether either was in the room when the will was explained or signed."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"name": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-02-27T10:14:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Following your repeated requests, I attach the copy I have.\n\nThis is what Mum wanted. I will send the signed original to the solicitors."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Miriam’s death",
"date": "2026-02-14",
"type": "Death and estate-administration event",
"impact": "Miriam’s death crystallised the estate, activated the will provisions subject to survivorship, and ended her ability to clarify the will or its preparation directly.",
"parties_involved": [
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Ronan Elias Preece",
"Severn Hospice"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Miriam died on 14 February 2026 at Severn Hospice.",
"The certified death entry was registered on 19 February 2026.",
"Ronan was partner, present at death, and informant."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Miriam death cert.pdf",
"name": "Miriam death certificate",
"timestamp": "2026-02-19T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Shropshire Registration Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Date of registration: 19 February 2026"
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Kit discloses the asserted 2025 will position to Elowen",
"date": "2026-02-23 to 2026-02-27",
"type": "Post-death will-disclosure event",
"impact": "Elowen was first told that she would receive £5,000 and Kit was sole executor, then received only an unsigned copy. Kit stated that he would send the signed original to solicitors.",
"parties_involved": [
"Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant",
"Dr Elowen Marchant"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"On 23 February Kit stated that Elowen’s legacy was £5,000 and he was sole executor.",
"On 26 February Kit said Miriam changed matters because she felt Elowen had abandoned her.",
"On 27 February Kit attached the unsigned copy and said he would send the signed original to solicitors."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "message",
"id": "Fwd: Mum",
"name": "Fwd: Mum",
"timestamp": "2026-02-26T09:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mum told me she had changed things because she felt you had abandoned her when she needed family."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"name": "Email - Kit - will copy 27-02-26.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-02-27T10:14:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Following your repeated requests, I attach the copy I have."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "Elowen seeks the will-preparation file from Briar & Keene",
"date": "2026-03-03",
"type": "Evidence-gathering event",
"impact": "Briar & Keene did not release the preparation file or original to Elowen without executor authority. This leaves the available evidence limited to Elowen’s account of what Quill said and the unsigned copy.",
"parties_involved": [
"Dr Elowen Marchant",
"Lydia Faye Quill",
"Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"Elowen requested instructions, meeting notes, drafts and correspondence.",
"The request was refused without executor authority.",
"Elowen left without the signed original or preparation papers."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I asked Ms Quill whether I could have the will-preparation file, including the instructions, notes of meetings, drafts and correspondence."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I left without seeing the signed original will or any preparation papers."
}
}
]
},
{
"event": "No probate grant located",
"date": "2026-04-07",
"type": "Probate-status event",
"impact": "As at the search date, no grant record had been located. This supports the current absence of a grant record but does not establish that no application exists or will be made.",
"parties_involved": [
"HM Courts & Tribunals Service",
"Miriam Celeste Marchant",
"Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
],
"supporting_facts": [
"The probate search was made on 7 April 2026.",
"No grant of probate or letters of administration record was located.",
"The result is expressly not confirmation of the status of any application."
],
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Probate search result 07-04-2026.pdf",
"name": "Probate records search result",
"timestamp": "2026-04-07T00:00:00Z",
"author": "HM Courts & Tribunals Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "It is not confirmation of whether an application for a grant has been made, is awaiting processing, has been withdrawn, or may be submitted later."
}
}
]
}
],
"how": [
{
"category": "Competing testamentary instruments and changed disposition",
"items": [
{
"description": "The available 2004 and 2018 wills both revoke earlier testamentary dispositions. The 2018 will provides for Elowen and Kit equally after a two-year occupation right for Ronan. The purported 2025 copy instead appoints Kit alone, gives Elowen a £5,000 legacy, makes benefits for Kit and Ronan’s daughters, and materially enlarges Ronan’s occupation right. The 2025 copy’s later revocation clause would matter if the instrument is established as Miriam’s operative will, but the signed original is not in the file.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The 2018 will appoints Elowen and Kit as executors and trustees and gives residue equally between them.",
"The 2018 occupation right for Ronan is for two years from death.",
"The 2025 copy names Kit sole executor and gives Ronan rent-free occupation for as long as he wishes.",
"The 2025 copy is expressly an unsigned copy."
],
"implications": "The validity, execution and contents of the purported 2025 will are central because its asserted effect differs substantially from the 2018 scheme and changes both the beneficial provision and executor role.",
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "scan_20260311_101842.pdf",
"name": "Last Will and Testament of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 9 April 2018",
"timestamp": "2018-04-09T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dovetail Legal LLP"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I GIVE all the residue of my estate, of whatever nature and wherever situated, to my Trustees upon trust for my daughter, DR ELOWEN MARCHANT, and my son, CHRISTOPHER “KIT” GARETH MARCHANT, in equal shares absolutely"
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Will_Miriam_Marchant_unsigned.pdf",
"name": "Will of Miriam Celeste Marchant dated 22 August 2025 (copy — unsigned)",
"timestamp": "2025-08-22T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Briar & Keene Wills Ltd"
},
"passage": {
"text": "to my daughter Dr Elowen Marchant, of 14 Celandine Row, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1QH, the sum of FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS (£5,000);"
}
}
]
}
]
},
{
"category": "Will preparation, execution evidence and access to documents",
"items": [
{
"description": "The only 2025 instrument provided is an unsigned copy sent by Kit. Elowen has not been shown the signed original. Briar & Keene would not release the preparation file without the purported executor’s authority, so the instructions, attendance notes, drafts, correspondence and original remain unavailable on this file.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Kit attached an unsigned copy on 27 February 2026 and said he would send the signed original to solicitors.",
"Elowen requested the preparation file from Briar & Keene on 3 March 2026.",
"Quill refused release without executor authority.",
"The solicitor’s April note confirms no signed original has been provided to Elowen."
],
"implications": "The signed original has not been provided to Elowen, but the established execution particulars are that Miriam signed the final will in the downstairs sitting room at 8 Quarry Bank on 22 August 2025 and Lydia Faye Quill and Darren Michael Sallow were the two attesting witnesses. Further evidence from the signed original, Briar & Keene’s preparation file, Lydia Quill and Darren Sallow may still be material to establishing the position.",
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "note",
"id": "note by Amira Shah, Solicitor 2026-04-08",
"name": "File note — documents received and probate search",
"timestamp": "2026-04-08T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Amira Shah, Solicitor"
},
"passage": {
"text": "No signed original of the will dated 22 August 2025 has been provided to Elowen."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I asked Ms Quill whether I could have the will-preparation file, including the instructions, notes of meetings, drafts and correspondence."
}
}
]
}
]
},
{
"category": "Cognitive and health context at the time of the purported change",
"items": [
{
"description": "Miriam had documented mild vascular dementia from late 2023, including short-term-memory and planning/organisation difficulties, and Ronan assisted with medication. In 2025 she had pancreatic cancer, declined major surgery, commenced palliative chemotherapy, and had tiredness and reduced appetite. These records pre-date the reported August 2025 will-making events but do not themselves state Miriam’s capacity on 18 or 22 August 2025.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The Memory Clinic recorded a score of 22/30 and mild vascular dementia.",
"The March 2025 discharge summary records support needs with medicines and hydration.",
"Oncology recorded a palliative treatment approach and chemotherapy before August 2025.",
"Elowen does not know whether a capacity assessment or GP contact occurred during preparation of the 2025 will."
],
"implications": "The medical and preparation records are relevant evidence sources for understanding Miriam’s functioning and the information available to the will writer, while the present file does not contain a contemporaneous capacity assessment or the preparation notes.",
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Memory Clinic letter 05-12-23.pdf",
"name": "Memory Clinic letter",
"timestamp": "2023-12-05T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital Memory Clinic"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Ronan has been providing reminders and assistance with organising medication."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Discharge-summary-March-2025.pdf",
"name": "Discharge summary",
"timestamp": "2025-03-18T00:00:00Z",
"author": "County Hospital NHS Trust"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Relevant background\n\nType 2 diabetes, hypertension, mild vascular dementia and reduced mobility following a previous left wrist fracture. Ms Marchant was assessed as requiring support with medicines and hydration during this admission."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "BriarKeene visit note 03-03-26.pdf",
"name": "Personal note — visit to Briar & Keene Wills Ltd",
"timestamp": "2026-03-03T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "I asked whether there had been a capacity assessment before the will was made. I do not know whether Ms Quill requested a capacity assessment."
}
}
]
}
]
},
{
"category": "Relationships, involvement and asserted reasons for the change",
"items": [
{
"description": "Ronan was Miriam’s resident partner and involved in her health support; he initiated contact with Briar & Keene for an urgent update and was in Quarry Bank when Quill reportedly met Miriam. Kit was also reportedly in the property. Elowen says her relationship with Miriam had been close for much of her life, but Kit asserted in an email that Miriam felt Elowen had abandoned her. Elowen’s 2024 letter expresses concern about vulnerability and isolation while apologising for how she raised those concerns.",
"supporting_facts": [
"Ronan requested the urgent August 2025 appointment.",
"Ronan and Kit were said to be in Quarry Bank during Quill’s 18 August visit, though not in the meeting room.",
"Kit gave Elowen an asserted explanation for Miriam changing her testamentary arrangements.",
"Elowen’s 10 July 2024 letter said she was worried Miriam had become more vulnerable and isolated."
],
"implications": "The file identifies differing accounts and relationship context bearing on why the 2025 dispositions may have changed. These are accounts and contemporaneous communications, not a resolved finding about Miriam’s wishes or any person’s conduct.",
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "IMG_20250710_184433.jpg",
"name": "Photograph of Elowen’s letter dated 10 July 2024",
"timestamp": "2024-07-10T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "My worry is that you have become more vulnerable and that you are more isolated than you used to be."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "message",
"id": "Fwd: Mum",
"name": "Fwd: Mum",
"timestamp": "2026-02-26T09:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Mum told me she had changed things because she felt you had abandoned her when she needed family."
}
}
]
}
]
},
{
"category": "Estate property, liquidity and administration status",
"items": [
{
"description": "Quarry Bank is recorded as Miriam’s mortgage-free sole property and is by far the largest identified asset, but any ongoing occupation right affects vacant-possession saleability. The estate schedule is expressly a working list rather than estate accounts. Kit says he intends to administer through solicitors and pay debts and funeral expenses first; he has not applied personally for a grant, and the probate search found no grant record as at 7 April 2026.",
"supporting_facts": [
"The working schedule estimates Quarry Bank at £635,000 and records Ronan’s lifetime occupation right as affecting saleability.",
"Pember & Stagg’s £620,000–£650,000 figure is preliminary and not a formal probate valuation.",
"Kit reports about £5,940 funeral costs and £2,100 credit-card debt.",
"The care provider’s final account was settled in full.",
"No grant record was located on the 7 April search."
],
"implications": "The file supports the need to distinguish provisional asset information, verified liabilities and administration steps. Estate value, available liquidity, property saleability and the claimed occupation right may affect how the asserted dispositions can be implemented, but final accounts and probate valuation evidence are not supplied.",
"citations": [
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Estate assets - Elowen notes 12.3.26.xlsx",
"name": "ESTATE ASSETS — WORKING SCHEDULE",
"timestamp": "2026-03-12T00:00:00Z",
"author": "Dr Elowen Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "Values are approximate only unless otherwise stated. I have not been given estate accounts, final asset valuations, debt details, or the balance of the joint Barclays account."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"name": "Kit email - estate update 04 March.msg",
"timestamp": "2026-03-04T10:18:00Z",
"author": "Christopher “Kit” Gareth Marchant"
},
"passage": {
"text": "My intention is to pay Mum’s debts and funeral expenses first, then deal with the gifts in the will."
}
},
{
"source": {
"type": "document",
"id": "Probate search result 07-04-2026.pdf",
"name": "Probate records search result",
"timestamp": "2026-04-07T00:00:00Z",
"author": "HM Courts & Tribunals Service"
},
"passage": {
"text": "No grant of probate or letters of administration record has been located for Miriam Celeste Marchant, deceased, as at 7 April 2026."
}
}
]
}
]
}
],
"generated_at": "2026-09-02T16:15:25+00:00",
"model": "gpt-5.6-terra",
"workflow_id": null
}