Court Delays Asot Michael Will Dispute Pending Handwriting Expert

The High Court has adjourned proceedings in the estate dispute involving the late Asot Michael until May 20 as efforts continue to appoint a handwriting expert to examine the authenticity of a contested will.

Acting High Court Judge M.E. Birnie Stephenson ordered both parties to submit details on proposed expert witnesses, including their availability, costs and willingness to serve.

Michael, the former St Peter MP and government minister, was found dead at his Dry Hill home in November 2024. A will signed in March 2021 is now being challenged by his son, Nigel Michael, and defended by Michael’s sisters, Teresa-Anne and Soraya Michael.

Nigel Michael, represented by Hugh Marshall and Chantal Marshall, argues the will is a forgery and claims his father lacked mental capacity due to intoxication when it was signed. The sisters, represented by Dr Errol Cort, Alketz Joseph and Jada Cort, reject the allegations.

Court documents show both sides agreed that a handwriting expert is needed but could not agree on who should be appointed. Michael’s sisters objected to Nigel Michael’s proposed expert, Beverly East, raising concerns about possible bias.

Justice Stephenson dismissed the claim, saying there was no evidence to support the allegation and noting that accusations of bias require a “clear and cogent basis”.

The judge also criticised Nigel Michael’s legal team for failing to properly consult the opposing side while seeking a jointly agreed expert.

The court ruled that a single joint expert should be appointed, with both parties sharing responsibility for the related costs and expenses.

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