The recent Canadian case of Carrigan v Carrigan’s Estate is a timely reminder of the need to ensure that we all keep our financial affairs in order, particularly when there have been changes in our family circumstances.

In this Canadian case Mr. Carrigan passed away leaving a DeFacto partner with whom he had been living at the time of his death but also a wife from whom he had not been divorced. In that situation the Canadian Courts were called upon to decide who should receive which elements of Mr. Carrigan’s Estate.