Two women locked in a bitter legal battle over the £1.8 million fortune left by a bigamous millionaire have been told they may be fighting over nothing. London's High Court heard that the estate of James Dinsdale, a wealthy accountant and World War II history expert who died of cancer in October 2020 aged 55, could now have a 'negative' value after properties were sold and funds withdrawn.
The Dispute Over James Dinsdale's Estate
The dispute pits Margaret Dinsdale, 41, a beautician who married James in Las Vegas in 2017, against Dr Victoria Fowell, 53, a cosmetic dentist who married him at a different chapel on the same street five years earlier in 2012. James never divorced Dr Fowell before marrying Margaret, making the second marriage 'void' under law. Margaret only discovered James's secret wife after his death while sorting out his affairs, assuming she would inherit as next of kin.
Under intestacy rules, Dr Fowell was initially entitled to the entire estate as the legal widow, along with James's son William Dinsdale, 28. However, in July 2025, a judge formally recognised Margaret's legal rights as a 'spouse', allowing her to bring a claim under the Inheritance Act.
Estate Value Dwindles to Negative
The case returned to court this month with Dr Fowell agreeing to step aside as executor. Her barrister, Roxanne Reiner, revealed that the estate's 17 properties, originally valued at £1.2 million, were 'significantly inflated' in value. 'Many properties were in extremely poor condition and some were occupied by squatters,' she said. 'All properties have now been sold. After deductions of expenses and large drawings from both Ms Dinsdale and Dr Fowell, the balance of the estate is in practice negative.'
The court heard that Margaret took £375,000 from estate assets—an allegation she denies—while Dr Fowell withdrew £367,000, believing she was entitled to the sum. Neither woman has savings, and both are struggling to fund the ongoing legal battle. Dr Fowell has borrowed from her parents to cover legal fees.
Accusations of Plundering
Margaret's barrister, James Poole, accused Dr Fowell of 'plundering' the estate and noted that a court freezing order had been imposed to prevent her from 'dissipating the assets'. He pointed out that a pub valued at £750,000 was sold by Dr Fowell as executor for just £180,000. Margaret may ultimately need to sue Dr Fowell personally to recover funds taken from the estate.
The judge, Master James Brightwell, ordered Dr Fowell's removal as executor and imposed a £21,000 charging order against her home for failing to meet previous costs orders. The full trial of Margaret's claim is scheduled for next year.
Background of the Bigamous Marriage
James Dinsdale, an accountant and WWII history expert, built a property development business in London and Hertfordshire. He married Dr Fowell, a St Albans-based dentist specialising in cosmetic smile makeovers, at the Little White Wedding Chapel in 2012. After they separated, he began a romantic relationship with Margaret in 2014 and set up home with her in 2015. They married at the Chapel of the Flowers on Las Vegas Boulevard in 2017, just 600 metres from where he wed Dr Fowell. Margaret says she had no idea he was still married.
With no will, the estate was set to pass to Dr Fowell and William until Margaret's legal recognition. The bitter dispute has now left both women potentially empty-handed, with the estate's value evaporating amid accusations and counter-accusations.
