The British government has recently accepted the fact that the laws in the United Kingdom concerning succession to the throne are discriminatory against women. Current rules for succession in Great Britain state that daughters are over looked in favor of later born sons. Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton has brought this issue before the public.
If Kate and William have a daughter and thereafter Kate gives birth to a son, the son would be the next in line for the English throne after William. The 701 Act of Settlements in Great Britain deals with succession laws. This law was fine for the men and women of the 18 century. The writer wonders whether it really is acceptable in the 21 century!
A statement by the British government recently was “the government accepts there are provisions which could be discriminatory” in referring the succession laws.
Succession Laws Bar Catholics
The anti Catholic succession laws are a throw back to the 1600’s. Catholic King James II was perceived as favoring Catholics and allowing them to come into positions of power. The Act of Settlement Law specifically states only Protestants are eligible to succeed, but it also specifically prevents Catholics from becoming King. This means you forfeit your right to the throne if you are in the line of succession and you marry a Catholic.
Keith Vaz, a British member of Parliament, recently stated “I think they’re all sitting down praying that Prince William and Kate Middleton have a son first, because if they do there is no need to consider this for some time to come” referring to the succession laws. Vaz also stated he found the 310 year old succession laws offensive. He has submitted a bill to Parliament to eliminate the discriminatory portion of these succession laws. A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace stated issues of succession are a matter for the government.
New York Will Contest Lawyers
Succession issues are similar to issues involving who will inherit your assets when you die. A large majority of us don’t have to worry about whether our children will become princes and princesses, but we do have to take into consideration what happens to our assets, homes, cars and loved ones after we die. The best way to deal with these issues is to draft a will. Family members who are unhappy with wills, can contest the will. After someone dies a will is probated. This is the process where a court determines whether the will is valid.
The Law Offices of Schlissel DeCorpo have been dealing with wills, trusts and estate issues for more than 45 years. In addition to wills and estate related issues, we handle various elder care matters, including but not limited to nursing home abuse, medicaid planning techniques, medicaid issues, special needs trust for special needs children and all other elder care and estate planning issues. Call us for a free consultation.
