A family dispute that began after the death of Laura Collins in July 2022 has resulted in her body remaining in an undertaker's mortuary for four years, leading to a High Court battle and a significant legal cost for some of the siblings.
Laura Collins, a 77-year-old mother of five, died in London's Charing Cross Hospital six months after contracting COVID-19. What followed was a protracted disagreement among her children regarding funeral arrangements and the handling of her estate. The eldest two siblings, Joan and Godfrey, have been accused of blocking any progress, leaving the rest of the family in limbo.
Initially, Joan and Godfrey reportedly refused to discuss funeral details, stating they were handling arrangements. They also considered suing the hospital for alleged negligence, further delaying any proceedings. This led to escalating tensions and arguments among the five siblings over weeks, months, and eventually years.
Michael, one of Laura's sons, stated that Joan and Godfrey moved his mother's body twice to different undertakers without informing the other siblings. Driven to frustration, Michael ultimately took his elder siblings to the High Court. The court case resulted in Chief Master Karen Shuman blaming Joan and Godfrey for the "appalling delay" and ordering them to cover the legal costs, which amounted to £53,322, along with £5,500 for storage. Control of the estate and funeral arrangements was awarded to Michael.
"There must be one person in charge to allow the family to come together as far as possible," Chief Master Shuman stated. "The deceased can be laid to rest with dignity. That is what ordinary humanity now demands."
Laura Collins died intestate, meaning she left no will. Her estate includes a family home in West Kensington, London, where her daughter Joan had lived for many years and was caring for her mother. The dispute may stem from a combination of sibling rivalry, control issues, or a grief response that left Joan and Godfrey paralyzed.
Michael described his mother as a dignified woman who loved music, dancing, and hosting gatherings. He emphasized her strength and resilience, noting she had faced racism and prejudice upon arriving in the UK at age 21. He expressed that his mother would have been appalled by the public dispute over her body.
Laura's health had been declining before contracting COVID-19. She suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, which made her increasingly immobile. Despite her health challenges, she continued to be a central figure for family celebrations. She had also expressed wishes for a nice funeral with music and loved ones present.
When Laura was admitted to intensive care, her family could not visit due to social distancing rules. Doctors advised the family to let her die after she suffered irreversible brain damage, with some question raised about a ventilator tube potentially dislodging. Michael, along with two other siblings, agreed with the medical advice, while Joan and Godfrey were reportedly adamant she should live. A judge eventually ruled that the machine should be turned off.
Following Laura's death, the disagreement over funeral arrangements persisted. Michael discovered that Laura's family in Carriacou, her native island, had not been informed of her death for over two years. The local authority also contacted the family regarding the failure to register the death. Michael found himself unable to access his mother's body as Joan and Godfrey had signed the initial paperwork with the funeral directors.
He reportedly attempted to involve the police, but was advised to pursue legal action. The situation escalated when Michael had to track down his mother's body, which had been moved to a different part of London without the family being notified. Michael, along with two siblings, desired closure and a chance to honor their mother, while Joan and Godfrey were described as being stuck in denial and seeking revenge.
Michael sought legal counsel and initiated proceedings against his elder siblings. While he does not expect to recover his inheritance soon, especially as Joan would need to move from the family home for the estate to be divided, the court ruling allows for Laura's burial. The family plans to proceed with the funeral in west London, where gaps in the order of service will be left for all five siblings to participate should they choose. Michael expressed hope that his siblings would attend, acknowledging the sad nature of their family's story but finding solace in the fact that their mother will finally be laid to rest.