Robert Rajhpaul, an actor trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, has initiated legal proceedings against his sister, Precious Rajhpaul, over their late mother's estate. The conflict centers on the assets of Milda Rajhpaul, which are valued at approximately £1.2 million.
The £900,000 Hammersmith home at the center of the rift
The primary driver of this legal battle is a family residence located in Hammersmith, west London, which is valued at £900,000.. According to the report, this property constitutes the most significant tangible asset within the estate of Milda Rajhpaul, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 88.
The dispute over the Hammersmith property is not merely financial but deeply personal . Robert Rajhpaul alleges that Precious Rajhpaul isolated their mother in her final years, claiming that Precious changed the locks on the family home and disconnected the telephone line to prevent other family members from communicating with Milda Rajhpaul.
A clash between the 1993 equal-split will and the 2023 disinheritance
The litigation hinges on which of two documents represents the true wishes of Milda Rajhpaul. A will from 1993 proposed that the estate be divided equally between Robert Rajhpaul and Precious Rajhpaul. However, a subsequent will dated August 2023 disinherited Robert Rajhpaul entirely, leaving the full fortune and the role of sole executor to Precious Rajhpaul.
Robert Rajhpaul contends that the August 2023 document is invalid, arguing that Milda Rajhpaul lacked the mental capacity to alter her will at that time. He asserts that Precious Rajhpaul used undue influence to manipule their mother into signing the new document, ensuring that Milda Rajhpaul was unaware of the specific contents of the final will.
The £300,000 gap in reported liquid assets
Beyond the real estate, the siblings are locked in a dispute over the amount of cash remaining in the estate. As reported, Precious Rajhpaul claims that the liquid assets total only £16,530. In stark contrast, Robert Rajhpaul asserts that the actual figure is closer to £315,000.
This financial discrepancy is compounded by an emotional conflict regarding the final rites of Milda Rajhpaul. Robert Rajhpaul has raised objections to the fact that their mother was cremated, claiming this went against Milda Rajhpaul's explicit desire for a Christian burial alongside their father.
Robert Rajhpaul's claim under the 1975 Inheritance Act
Facing severe financial hardship, Robert Rajhpaul describes himself as currently homeless and residing in temporary accommodation with his dog, Twinkle.. because of this precarious situation, he is pursuing a claim for "reasonable provision" under the 1975 Inheritance Act, arguing that he was financially dependent on Milda Rajhpaul during her lifetime.
During a pre-trial hearing at the Central London County Court, Judge Nigel Gerald expressed concern that Robert Rajhpaul was representing himself. The judge noted the legal complexities of the case and strongly advised the actor to secure professional legal representation to avoid having the case struck out.
Where is the medical proof of Milda Rajhpaul's incapacity?
A critical weakness in the current challenge is the apparent lack of documentary evidence. Nicola Phillipson, the barrister representing Precious Rajhpaul, argued that the case has no prospect of success because Robert Rajhpaul has failed to provide medical proof regarding Milda Rajhpaul's lack of mental capacity or detailed particulars to support the claims of undue influence.
The court has adjourned the proceedings to allow Robert Rajhpaul time to obtain a laawyer. The ultimate outcome depends on whether the actor can produce verifiable evidence of coercion or incapacity, or if the August 2023 will will be upheld as the definitive legal instrument.
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