Two women who both married James Dinsdale, a deceased accountant and Second World War history expert, continue to dispute the inheritance of what was once believed to be a £1.8 million fortune. Dinsdale, who died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 55, was identified as a bigamist, having married both Margaret Dinsdale and Dr Victoria Fowell without dissolving his earlier marriage.
Margaret Dinsdale, 41, discovered after James Dinsdale’s death that he had been legally married to Dr Fowell, 53, since 2012 and had never divorced her before marrying Margaret in 2017 in Las Vegas, rendering the second marriage void. Under intestacy rules—because Dinsdale left no will—the estate was initially set to be divided between Dr Fowell and James’s son, William, 28. Last July, a judge recognised Margaret Dinsdale’s legal standing as a spouse, allowing her to bring a significant claim for a share of the estate under the Inheritance Act.
The estate’s assets primarily consisted of 17 properties linked to Dinsdale’s property development business operating in London and Hertfordshire. However, recent court proceedings revealed that the estate’s value has dwindled substantially. Dr Fowell, who had served as the estate’s executor, agreed to step down from that role during hearings in the High Court this month.
According to Dr Fowell’s legal representative, Roxanne Reiner, initial estimates of the properties’ worth at around £1.2 million were found to be inflated, with many holdings in poor condition. Following sales and deductions for expenses, as well as substantial withdrawals by both Margaret Dinsdale and Dr Fowell, the estate’s balance is currently negative. Reiner alleged that Margaret Dinsdale withdrew approximately £375,000 from the estate, a claim Ms Dinsdale denies, while noting Dr Fowell has similarly withdrawn £367,000, believing herself entitled to those funds.
On the other hand, Margaret Dinsdale’s barrister, James Poole, countered that Dr Fowell has been subject to a court freezing order to prevent further depletion of the estate’s assets. He highlighted the contested sale of a pub valued at £750,000, reportedly sold by Dr Fowell as executor for just £180,000.
Both parties have faced financial difficulties in maintaining the legal battle. Judge Master James Brightwell ruled in favour of removing Dr Fowell as executor and imposed a £21,000 charging order on her home for unpaid costs. The full trial to determine Margaret Dinsdale’s claim for a financial contribution from the estate is scheduled for next year.