Family members who are snubbed in a relative’s will in favour of charities could find it easier to lay claim to the estate following a recent judgment.

The Court of Appeal ruled last month that Heather Ilott could request a larger share of her mother Melita Jackson’s will, despite having been overlooked in a letter of wishes after the pair fell out.

Jackson had asked for her estate to be shared between charities, including the Blue Cross, RSPCA and RSPB, but judges ruled it was ‘unreasonable’ of her to put third-sector bodies before her own daughter.

Wills experts are now warning solicitors to be aware of the precedent.

‘This case looks set to have a major impact on how wills, including gifts to charities, will be treated, when such gifts have been made [to] the detriment of family and friends,’ said Adam Draper, associate in national firm Irwin Mitchell’s will, estate and trust disputes team.

He added that the case could lead to a significant increase in claims made by family members for financial provision from a deceased’s estate, even if they have not been named in the original document.