Contentious Probate Disputes

We work closely with personal representatives and potential beneficiaries in the case of probate disputes. We can help you by:

• Handling claims by beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries
• Acting for personal representatives who face a claim against the estate.

Probate disputes can be extremely stressful for everyone involved.

Disputes often arise while people are still grieving; this can affect the decision-making process for serious decisions and complex legal issues. These issues should be addressed urgently to protect the legal rights of the disadvantaged person. We can relieve some of the pressure by helping with the decision-making process.

Many people believe a burial should be conducted in line with the wishes of the deceased. However, the final decision is for the family to make, making this a source of disagreement.

We can help you reach a conclusion about burial plans for a loved one; whether this related to disagreements about burial, cremation, or where/how the deceased is put to rest.

As estate mediation specialists, we are able to support executors and trustees as well as beneficiaries.

We can help you deal with situations such as:

• A failure to agree on necessary actions
• The need to remove an appointed co-executor or co-trustee
• Uncooperative beneficiaries

• Executors or trustees who:

• • take too long to administer the estate
  • delay administering the estate
  • fail to obtain the grant of probate
  • give money to the wrong people
  • refuse to show you the will.

If you are the child of the deceased, you can make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Even if you were estranged from your parent, you could still be eligible to make a claim against their Will under the Act.

We can help you understand your rights and support a claim should you wish to make one.

You can make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, if you are the spouse, child or other dependent of the deceased and have been left insufficient money for your continued wellbeing.

Factors that are considered can include:

• Your financial needs
• The financial needs of any beneficiary of the estate
• Any responsibilities the deceased had in regards to the person making the claim, or towards any beneficiary of their estate
• The size and contents of the deceased’s estate
• Any disability (either mental or physical) of the person making the claim, or any beneficiary of the estate
• Any other issues, such as the conduct of the person making the claim, or any other person involved, which the Court may deem as relevant to the case.

We have experience in these claims and can help you understand your position and support you should you wish to pursue your claim.