Contentious Probate Solicitors

Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes

Dealing with problems or disputes can be distressing and confusing; our team have experience and knowledge to help make things clear and will guide you every step of the way. Our team have expertise in a wide range of issues, including:

• Challenges to a Will
• Resolving problems or issues with the Will
• Dealing with matters where there is no Will
• Claims against the Estate under the Inheritance Act if no provision has been made for someone
• Trust litigation and issues with properties
• Disputes between Executors, beneficiaries and others about the Estate or how the administration is dealt with
• Concerns about Powers of Attorney and how they are being used

We act on behalf of all parties, including Executors, Administrators, beneficiaries, family members and dependents.

Experienced litigation solicitors for sensitive family matters

We understand that these matters are particularly sensitive, especially when family members are in disagreement. We give clear advice which is easy to understand, explaining the process and what options you have, as well as the likely next steps. We are with you at every stage. We will be honest about the claim and your position, the strengths and weaknesses and what your options are. We will discuss alternatives to litigation, such as mediation, which may enable disputes to be settled more quickly, at a lower cost and with less stress than through the court.

We can help you with many different circumstances, including the following:

• A close family member of the deceased, or someone else who was financially dependent on the deceased, has not been adequately provided for in a Will
• There was no Will and the intestacy rules fail to provide for a close relative or a dependent
• It is believed that the Will does not express the writer’s wishes, either because of undue influence, or it is thought that the person making the Will was not of sound mind
• Someone was promised an inheritance, which hasn’t transpired but there may still be a claim if this promise was relied on
• The Will may be invalid because of errors made by a solicitor, or problems with a Will that was made without a solicitor
• The Will may be a fraud
• There are concerns about executors or trustees who may need to be replaced
• A claim is being brought against you in relation to your administration of an estate and you need help defending it.
• After contributing to the improvement of a property, which has been inherited by someone else, you want to claim an interest in the value of the improvement
• There are concerns about how powers of attorney are being usedWe ensure that we are clear and transparent about the likely costs and give options on fees. We may be able to offer alternative funding arrangements such as conditional fees, as well as obtaining ATE insurance to provide safeguards against costs risks.

Avoiding contentious probate

Making a Will is the best way to make sure that your money, property and personal belongings end up where you want them to be after your death. Unfortunately, problems can arise if the Will is not drafted properly, if there are other concerns about the Will, or if others are unhappy about the way the Estate is to be distributed. If there is no Will, or if it leaves out potential beneficiaries, problems can arise. Disputes about how an Estate should be administered can arise. We are here to help and resolve issues as quickly and smoothly as possible and to advise you on all aspects.

How we can help

We provide transparent advice, explore alternatives to litigation, and support all parties involved in reaching a resolution. Get in touch today, we are available to answer your questions and show you how we can help.