Man destroys house to prevent inheritance

A Perth man has been jailed for two and a half years after blowing up a house in an attempt to prevent anyone else from inheriting it, reports Sky News.

Forty-six-year-old Trevor Seaman lived with his family in the house, which he claims he had helped his father to build. When his father died, he felt that this gave him a greater right than his three siblings to the property.

However, the administrator of their father's estate – his sister – successfully argued in court that he should be evicted from the house. In response, says Sky News, Mr Seaman took the rather drastic step of igniting a gas bottle inside the house, damaging it so badly that it had to be knocked down.

The case is an extreme example of the way in which emotions can run very high in inheritance disputes.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly in a Will then it is important to seek professional legal advice as quickly as possible.

While Court action is sometimes unavoidable, it is better, where possible, to resolve Will disputes through a settlement agreement or mediation. This prevents the matter going to Court and therefore reduces legal costs, brings earlier resolution and preserves family relationships.

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If you are thinking of contesting, making or updating a Will then contact Szabo & Associates Solicitors today and speak with one of our specialist solicitors. Call us on (02) 9281-5088 or fill in the contact form to the right of this page.