The Family Court challenges Outdated Asian Family Dynamics

As is the case in many Asian households Mrs Kaur stayed at home to look after the couples seven children and run the home while Mr Singh went to work to provide an income for the family.  Mrs Kaur would not have ever had any money of her own or an interest in the family clothing business.  This would have been acceptable at the time as she was to be completely financially dependent on her husband.

Notably, this case is an example of the male dominance in Asian cultures, where women are disregarded, whether they are wives or daughters.  Mrs Kaur challenged her husbands Will and won her appeal in the Family Division of the High Court under the Inheritance Act.

The Court agreed that Mrs Kaur had made substantial contributions to the marriage and was dependent on her husband.  The family wealth had been built up during the marriage, therefore, applying the divorce standard, she was awarded 50% of his estate.

This article was written with information provided by the Independent. Mullis & Peake are not responsible for the content of external websites: High Court win for widow left nothing in will ‘opens doors to others’ | The Independent