Contentious Probate

Dealing with the loss of a family member or someone close to you is never easy. Unfortunately, the situation can also be made worse by a sudden dispute involving their Will or their Estate.

It’s possible to dispute a Will if there is a legal basis for doing so, and our expert team are on hand to assist you. If you’ve been left out of a Will, have suspicions about a Will, or think the Will may not be correct, then you may be able to challenge it. Equally, if you have been unfairly disinherited, have missed out because someone died without making a Will, or question the mental capacity of the Testator, then you may have a claim.

The grounds for contesting a Will are strict, so it’s also worth looking into whether you might have an inheritance claim or another reason to launch a challenge. Equally, if you are the person (the ‘Executor’) in charge of an estate and someone is taking issue with the Will or with the estate administration process, then it’s important to get advice as soon as you can.

Disputes can also arise with how probate is being handled, which is very common and, in some instances, can be very complex. These disputes can arise for a number of reasons, including:

• Disagreements over costs
• Asset value or valuation methods
• Management of the trust fund
• Disagreements between beneficiaries
• Disagreements between trustees

We fully understand how quickly a dispute can escalate, particularly where family members are involved, and know the toll felt on those involved. We aim to work with the parties involved in order to find the most cost-efficient resolution which allows the administration to continue unimpeded.

Deciding whether to contest a Will or make a claim against the Estate can be a big decision, especially if it could put you at odds with other family members, but our team are on hand to help guide and support you through the process.