Inheritance, Wills, Trusts & Probate Disputes

We can help you navigate to a solution, and in the majority of cases we can do this completely out of court.

Contesting a will

There may be a problem with a will that you need help with, whether someone has been left out, or funds aren’t being left in the way you expected. Perhaps you were promised to be left a certain sum of money or asset and this isn’t in the will.

It may even be that the will was forged, is invalid or contains errors. It’s your right to make a professional negligence claim if a will writer has made errors or given incorrect advice.

We can also help challenge the entitlement of the Crown in the absence of beneficiaries with the help of genealogists, making sure assets go to the right person.

All of these issues can often be solved out of court by our supportive and helpful team.

Contesting probate 

If you feel the administration of a will is not being handled correctly, you may be able to contest the probate. You may wish to challenge the executor of a will if you feel they are incorrectly collecting assets, wrongly distributing the estate or not managing outstanding debts in the right way. 

These disagreements can come about because of many reasons, whether it be family tensions, or misinterpretation of complex clauses in will. Our team will help you understand these complexities so you can be confident that your loved ones legacy is handled how they would have wished.

Inheritance Act claims 

You may have expected to be left a particular share of an estate but in fact have been left out of the will, or you have not been left what you reasonably expected. It may even be the case that there was no will at all.

You would be covered by the inheritance act if you are:

• A civil partner or spouse, a former partner, or if you lived with the deceased for at last two years before their death 
• A child of the deceased
• Someone who was financially dependent on the deceased 

Our team can help you navigate the inheritance act and make sure you understand what you are entitled to if you find yourself in this ambiguous and stressful situation.

Disputes between trustees or beneficiaries

You can find yourself in an incredibly stressful situation if a trustee is negligent in their duties, or documentation is unclear regarding trustee responsibilities.

Difficulties can also arise between trustees and beneficiaries. There may be negligence issues, incorrect advice given, or complete mismanagement. It may be that an executor or trustee has acted in a way that means they should be removed completely.

Resolving these issues swiftly will ensure lasting damage is prevented, and the situation is resolved. 

Issues with deputyship and mental capacity 

The Court of Protection will make a statutory will on behalf of a vulnerable person. Unfortunately this may not always reflect the person’s wishes, and you may feel you want to challenge this.

It may be that the will should not have been made in the first place, and the person has the mental capacity to make their own will. Maybe the financial deputy in place is not acting as they should. 

We can help you challenge any of these concerns, and help you understand where you stand, so that you can ensure your loved ones assets are handled as they would have wished.