Witness Statements in Claims to Estate

[northj]

Am in a situation where a person is claiming a share of an estate. They are not related to deceased. They are supporting their claim using witness statements which will say the deceased wanted to leave a lot of money to them. These witnesses were the best friends of the deceased and are best friends with this person. I am in the position to gather witness statements from other best friends saying the exact opposite. On this basis, how strong will their witness statement be in this matter?

[Didwot]

Are we dealilng with a matter in England and Wales?
If so then, unless the proposed claimant can bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act then they have no claim at all. If they can claim under that act then they do not need their friends to cheer them on with supporting statements. In short I do not understand what is going on.

[WendyS]

My guess is that unless the individuals concerned have been left a share of the estate in a Will that has been properly signed and witnessed  they will have absolutely no claim at all.   Individuals are capable of changing their minds a hundred times about what should happen to their assets.

That is why it's so important to make a Will to ensure that what you want to happen to your estate ACTUALLY happens.