We act for executors, beneficiaries and family members relating to both bringing and defending claims in challenging Wills and in claims for adequate provision from the estate. Claims can also come about if you think the administration of the estate is not going as it should.

A Will may be challenged if you think the person did not have sufficient mental capacity at the time they made it or if you think they may have been influenced by a friend or family member so the Will does not accurately reflect their true wishes.

Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family Dependants) Act 1975 can be brought against an estate if it can be shown that you qualify under the criteria in the Act, such as if you were in some way financially dependent upon the deceased before their death. The time limit to bring a claim in these cases is very strict and immediate legal advice should be sought.

It may even be that you had been promised by someone during their lifetime that you were to benefit upon their death and you find out their Will does not reflect what you were told. Again you should take early legal advice to see if you may have a claim against the estate. 

Very often it is worthwhile seeking early resolution of disputes through alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, in particular in contested probate and inheritance matters since it can be extremely stressful and this may even be with your own family.

You may also be entitled to public funding (‘Legal Aid’),in contested probate and inheritance claims if you are financially eligible.