Residing in the Harrow area of England, 82-year-old Richard Joy’s decision to transfer his home to a Ukrainian waitress before his death has set his family in motion, leading to an inheritance dispute now taken to court.

Living in London, Richard Joy passed away in 2018 at the age of 82, leaving behind his Hillside Gardens home valued at 650,000 pounds (approximately 30 million Turkish Liras). Joy, who used to frequent a cafe, entrusted his property to 38-year-old Ukrainian waitress Mariia Romanyshyn shortly before his demise, sparking a legal battle initiated by Joy’s cousin to reclaim ownership.

Romanyshyn claims Joy handed over the property to her by extending the deeds, stating, “I want this home to be yours, it belongs to you.” She expressed having formed a close bond with Joy over time, feeling he treated them like family.

COUSIN TURNS TO COURT

Joy’s cousin, Martin Larney, has launched a legal battle to have the home transfer deemed invalid. His lawyer, Andrew Nicklin, argued, “In 2016, Joy was beginning to lose his cognitive abilities. He did not have the mental capacity to carry out such a legal transaction and was dependent on Romanyshyn,” suggesting the elderly man might have been deceived.

“WAS WATCHING TV, PLAYING CHESS”

Contrarily, Romanyshyn defended Joy as a mentally sound individual, stating, “He could follow Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘Sherlock’ series and play chess with my daughter.” Her attorney, Lynne Counsell, pointed out, “Medical records show Joy was not diagnosed with dementia,” asserting the validity of the property transfer.

CUT TIES WITH FAMILY

Documents presented in court revealed Joy’s will in 2011, in which he left his home and other assets to cousin Martin Larney, mother Doreen Larney, and a friend. However, it was noted that he ceased communication with his family starting from 2012. The case is ongoing in the Central Court of London, with the judge expected to announce a decision in the coming days.