Monday 26 September 2022 11:59 AM Widow of millionaire lobster king loses court battle with daughter over control ... trends now
The widow of a millionaire lobster king has lost a bitter court fight with her daughter over control of her husband's fortune, after a judge said she was already rich enough to look after herself.
Chris Ramus killed himself in 2020 at the age of 72, after struggling to cope with family issues, including the breakdown of his marriage to wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Ramus, 77.
He had made his fortune after setting up a seafood business in affluent Harrogate, north Yorkshire, in the 1970s, going on to become a major importer of Canadian lobsters.
Despite her having left him before he died - and having a £1.6million fortune of her own - Mr Ramus set up a £900,000 trust fund through his £1.1million will to provide a lifetime income for his estranged wife.
But his plan led to a High Court fight following his death, with 'cash rich' widow Mrs Ramus suing Claire Holt - the couple's 46-year-old daughter - over control of the trust fund.
The fund had been left in the control of his daughter and two friends, with the power to stop payments to his wife at any time - but fearing being cut off, the widow sued to have the power removed.
Pictured: Elizabeth Ramus, the widow of a millionaire lobster king has lost a court fight with her daughter over control of her £900k trust fund, after a judge said she was rich enough
She told the court she had a 'strained relationship' with her daughter - who had criticised her spending habits - and didn't want to be left 'at her mercy' financially.
But Judge Mark West, sitting at the High Court in Leeds, has now thrown out the widow's case, handing victory to her daughter and saying Mrs Ramus has enough money to cover her own needs.
He said the widow's own assets total more than her late husband's estate and that she had admitted being 'cash rich' after selling off the couple's former home and other property.
The court heard that Mr and Mrs Ramus set up Ramus Seafoods, in 1974, before going on to open fresh fish shops in Harrogate and Ilkley, and becoming a major lobster importer.
They ran the business jointly until it was sold in 1999, using its success to fund a 'financially comfortable lifestyle,' living in a £1.1million six-bedroom home in Harrogate and enjoying expensive overseas trips, flying business class around the world.
Mrs Ramus, a former nurse, told the judge that the relationship between the couple had been difficult at times, particularly after retirement, and that she decided to end it in 2019.
Chris Ramus depended on daughter Claire Holt, 46, (pictured) after his marriage broke down
The news came as a great shock to Mr Ramus, who even telephoned his wife's GP to suggest she had dementia. He became depressed and depended upon his daughter, Mrs Holt, for support.
Mrs Ramus found her husband dead in the garage of their home in Duchy Road, Harrogate, in June 2020 and a coroner later recorded a verdict of suicide, following strains relating to his family issues.
Despite the separation, after gifts to grandchildren and his son from his estate, Mr Ramus left a £900,000 trust fund to provide his estranged wife with an income and enable her to 'maintain her lifestyle.'
However, he left his daughter Mrs Holt and family friends Anthony
