A legal battle is unfolding over the will of fashion designer Chris Liu, who left behind a substantial estate worth over £1 million upon his death in 2017 at the age of 47. Tibor Matyas, described as Liu’s partner in both personal and business matters, is contesting the will, claiming that he was financially reliant on Liu and is now struggling to make ends meet, partly due to caring for his pet dog.
Matyas, 49, asserts that he should receive ongoing financial support from Liu’s estate as he was financially dependent on the designer. The dispute also involves Liu’s family in China and the estate administrator. Matyas reveals that he and Liu, renowned for designing women’s wear and later transitioning to men’s bags, co-founded the label Chris and Tibor in 2005 after working together as design consultants for Burberry.
Following Liu’s passing, Matyas inherited a jointly owned London apartment and a share in another property, while the rest went to Liu’s family. Matyas now seeks maintenance payments from the estate, arguing that he struggles to find employment due to his pet care responsibilities. He emphasizes that most of the estate’s funds originated from joint efforts and that he and Liu shared everything as a committed couple.
The court proceedings involve discussions on Matyas’ financial needs, his claims of joint ownership of properties despite being in Liu’s name, and the source of funds for property acquisitions. Matyas contends that he and Liu lived as a married couple, sharing incomes and assets, despite legal ownership arrangements. The legal counsel for the estate administrator challenges Matyas’ claims, asserting that property purchases were funded by Liu’s family.
As the case unfolds, the court is faced with determining whether Matyas should be provided with reasonable financial provision from Liu’s estate, considering the interests of all beneficiaries. The estate’s value, estimated at over £1 million, may be significantly impacted by legal costs and expenses related to the ongoing dispute. The court has yet to deliver its final ruling on the matter.
