Be our Guest: The Supreme Court decision in Guest v Guest

The recent, highly anticipated, 108-page Supreme Court judgment in Guest v Guest [2022] UKSC 387 has considered the correct remedy in proprietary estoppel claims. In doing so, the Supreme Court has provided useful guidance for practitioners and their clients. The decision also serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of exercising care when one makes promises involving family property. Although proprietary estoppel cases are incredibly fact-specific, they should act as cautionary tales. Informal or hollow promises should be deterred. Instead, astute private wealth planning should be promoted, together with regular, open communication amongst family members. Any failure to take a considered and well communicated approach to personal wealth planning may lead to family disputes, costly litigation and the breakdown in family relationships.