Watford residents will probably have heard of the widely reported case of Ilott v Mitson. Heather Ilott was completely left out of her estranged mother's will, who instead left her estate of approximately £500,000 to three animal charities that she had no connection with during her lifetime.

Following the Supreme Court's recent decision, has the law been clarified for adult children who have been left out of a parent's will?

Mrs Ilott claimed that her mother's will failed to make adequate provision for her. Mrs Ilott was originally awarded £50,000 by a district judge. The Court of Appeal tripled the award on appeal, giving Mrs Ilott £143,000 to buy a house and a further £20,000. Now, 10 years after the case was originally heard, seven Supreme Court judges have reinstated the original award of £50,000.

The case has not changed the law - it is not easier or harder to bring these sorts of Inheritance Act claims. If you are an adult child and you have been left out of your parent's will, our advice remains the same - seek specialist advice early on to establish whether your financial circumstances bring you within the range of awards a court is likely to make.

The basic test is whether you can show what might be reasonably required for your ongoing maintenance.

Equally, if you might be thinking of disinheriting a child, don't be lulled into thinking that it is now easier to do this. Although you can make it harder for a disinherited child to challenge your will, you cannot opt out of the Inheritance Act legislation.

You should regularly review and update your will to take account of the changing nature of family relationships and the financial circumstances of your children.