Inheritance Disputes

A will can be contested on several grounds including: lack of testamentary capacity (the person making the will didn't fully understand what they were doing), undue influence (someone pressured the deceased into making certain provisions), fraud or forgery, improper execution (the will wasn't signed or witnessed properly), or lack of knowledge and approval (the testator didn't understand or approve the will's contents).

Time limits vary depending on the type of claim. For claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, you generally have 6 months from the grant of probate. For challenging the validity of a will, there's technically no time limit, but it's advisable to act quickly, ideally before the estate is distributed. Delay can significantly harm your case and may result in assets being distributed before your claim is resolved.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to make a claim against an estate if they feel they haven't received reasonable financial provision. Those who can claim include: spouses or civil partners, former spouses or civil partners who haven't remarried, children (including adult children), anyone treated as a child of the family, and any person who was being maintained by the deceased immediately before their death.

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case and how far it progresses. Simple cases resolved through negotiation may cost a few thousand pounds, while those proceeding to trial can cost tens of thousands. We offer various funding options including fixed fees for certain services, hourly rates, and in some cases, conditional fee agreements. We provide detailed cost estimates at the outset and regular updates as your case progresses.

Yes, a will can still be contested after probate has been granted. However, it becomes more complicated as the estate may have already been distributed. If your challenge is successful, the court can revoke the grant of probate and order appropriate remedies, which may include requiring beneficiaries to return assets they've received. It's always better to act before probate if possible, which is why seeking prompt legal advice is essential.