Word for the Week

Top Judge Declines to hear Contested Probate Case

Week beginning: 14th November, 2021 | By Andrew Myers | St Albans

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

Luke 12: 13-15 (NIV)

The man in the crowd makes an entirely reasonable and fair request – some 1900 years' later section 46 of the Administration of Estates Act 1925 imposed a similar requirement on an intestacy. Yet Jesus' reply is surprising. He declines jurisdiction –