Advise on making a will.

[Arjimlad]

Would it be any different if there was a will ? The argument they'd been left high and dry would still run wouldn't it?

eg disgruntled husband leaves his widow destitute

Absolutely - a claim can still be made. This law intervenes to enable the Court to make provision where the will or intestacy does not.

The other sorts of claims that can be made include promissory estoppel - classically in farming - son stays on & works on the farm, "one day my boy this will all be yours" then parents leave it to son & (departed) daughters equally...or child stays at home to care for parent & is promised the house etc. etc...