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KARIM V STEELE AND QUINN, CONTESTING A WILL FOR UNDUE INFLUENCE 

Will claim Solicitors, specialist no win no fee will dispute and will contest Solicitors consider the new case Karim v Steele and Quinn where the Will was overturned for undue influence 

Undue Influence in Will Disputes: Lessons from Karim v Steele & Quinn [2025]

Contesting a will can be complex, particularly when there are suspicions that the person making the will (the testator) was pressured or manipulated. A recent High Court case, Karim v Steele & Quinn [2025], highlights the importance of understanding undue influence when pursuing a will dispute or inheritance claim. For a copy of the Judgment please visit: 

Karim v Steele & Anor [2025] EWHC 2060 (Ch) (20 August 2025) 
In this article, we explain what undue influence means, summarise the case, and outline what you need to know if you are considering contesting a will. 

Background to the Dispute 
Sheila Carter made a will in 2015, leaving her entire estate to her care provider, John Quinn. However, her long-time friend, Shanaz Karim, challenged this will and argued that Sheila’s 2012 will – which named Shanaz as executor and primary beneficiary – was her true and valid testament. 

The claim centred on allegations that Sheila was vulnerable, dependent on Quinn, and pressured into signing the 2015 will. 

The Claim: How Undue Influence Was Alleged 
Shanaz Karim argued that the 2015 will was invalid because Sheila had been manipulated by John Quinn, who used his position of trust and control to influence her decisions. 

Key allegations included: 

  • Sheila suffered from mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which made her more susceptible to pressure. 
  • Sheila was financially and emotionally dependent on Quinn for care and support. 
  • Quinn coerced Sheila into signing documents that benefited him financially, including the 2015 will. 
  • The 2015 will excluded close family members and longstanding beneficiaries, raising questions about Sheila’s true intentions. 

The Evidence the Court Considered 
The High Court reviewed a range of evidence, including: 

  • Medical records showing Sheila’s mental health vulnerabilities. 
  • Witness statements indicating Quinn had created an emotional dependence on himself by Sheila (by frequent visits, telling Sheila that he was in love with her, and kissing her). 
  • Correspondence suggesting Sheila was isolated from friends and family around the time the 2015 will was made. 
  • The fact that Sheila had previously made several wills, including the 2012 will, which provided for Shanaz and other family members. 

The Court’s Decision 
Like most undue influence claims, there was little or no direct evidence of coercion or manipulation, creating substantial risk; ameliorated in this instance because the main beneficiary (Quinn) did not defend it. We discuss these issues at greater length in an earlier blog post on the subject: 

The Trouble with Undue Influence – Will Claim Solicitors 
Here though the High Court found no direct evidence of threats or coercion but ruled that the circumstantial evidence strongly suggested that Sheila had been pressured and manipulated. 

Outcome 

  • The 2015 will was declared invalid. 
  • The earlier 2012 will was reinstated and accepted as Sheila’s last true will. 

This case underscores that undue influence can be proven even when there is no direct evidence — courts can rely on patterns of behaviour, relationships of dependency, and significant changes in testamentary intentions. 

What This Means If You’re Contesting a Will 
If you believe a will does not reflect your loved one’s true intentions, you may be able to bring a claim based on undue influence. To succeed, you need to show that: 

  • The deceased was vulnerable or dependent on another person. 
  • The beneficiary had a position of power or control. 
  • The will represents a sudden and unexplained change from earlier wishes. 
  • There is evidence of isolation, manipulation, or coercion. 

How Will Claim Can Help 
At Will Claim Solicitors, we specialise in contesting wills, will disputes, and inheritance claims on a no win, no fee basis. If you suspect a loved one was pressured into making a will, we can: 

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