Court Rules on Inheritance of McDonald Noel's £2 Million Estate

Two cousins, Shaka and Desiree Dorant, have successfully claimed the unclaimed estate of McDonald Noel, a multimillionaire who died intestate in 2018. The High Court's ruling, delivered by Master Katherine McQuail, determined that Shaka and Desiree are legitimate heirs to McDonald’s £2.7 million estate, which includes a £1.5 million property in Kensington, London. The case centered on the complex family history of McDonald’s father, Stanley Dorant, whose relationships led to multiple claims of descent from various relatives.

The Independent

The court proceedings revealed a tangled web of familial connections. Desiree Dorant, representing her father St Clair, and Tyler Dorant, representing Clyde's grandchildren, argued that they were also descendants of Stanley Dorant. Shaka, the son of Francis, claimed his share based on his direct lineage. However, Gerard Burton, son of Stella, contended that his mother was a full sister to McDonald, thus claiming the entire estate.

The Independent

Daniel Burton, representing Desiree and her siblings, emphasized the significance of Stanley's "romantic life" in establishing the genealogical questions at the heart of the case. Aidan Briggs, representing Shaka, cautioned against assuming paternity based solely on familial claims, highlighting the cultural context of relationships in the Caribbean.

The Independent

Master McQuail's ruling focused on the evidence presented regarding Stanley's relationships. She concluded that Shaka was a legitimate heir due to his father Francis being Stanley's child, as both parents were named on Francis's birth certificate. In contrast, the claims of St Clair and Clyde's descendants were less clear. The judge found that while there was probable evidence linking Stanley to St Clair, there was insufficient evidence to establish Stanley as the father of Clyde or Stella.

The Independent

The judge noted, "I am unable to conclude on the balance of probabilities that Stanley was Clyde’s father," due to a lack of evidence regarding Stanley's presence in Barbados at the time of Clyde's conception. Similarly, she stated, "I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Stella was Stanley’s child," citing the absence of documentary evidence supporting her claim.

The Independent

Ultimately, the court ruled that McDonald Noel's biological children were limited to McDonald, St Clair, and Francis, directing the distribution of the estate to the descendants of McDonald's half-siblings. This ruling underscores the complexities of inheritance laws and the importance of clear documentation in establishing familial relationships.

The Independent

• “It is the romantic life of McDonald's father Stanley which is central to the genealogical questions which arise in this case.” — Daniel Burton, Legal Representative

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• “I have concluded that Stanley and Clementina had a relationship which pre-dated Clementina’s 1939 arrival in Trinidad.” — Master Katherine McQuail

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• “I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Stella was Stanley’s child.” — Master Katherine McQuail

The Independent

• “I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Stella was Stanley’s child.” — Master Katherine McQuail

The Independent

This case highlights the intricate nature of family ties and the legal challenges that arise when determining inheritance in the absence of a will.

The Independent