The UK Court of Appeal has issued a decision in a high profile 1975 Act inheritance claim, overturning a previous decision to allow Mary Cowan to claim financial provision from her late husband's £16 million estate.

The judgment is another important milestone in 1975 Act claims on estates after the standard limitation period has passed.

The high-profile Cowan v Foreman case first came into the spotlight in March this year when Mostyn J took a hard line against standstill agreements in will disputes, stating “it is not for parties to give away time that belongs to the court” and that the practice should come to an i...