Inheritance Disputes

Inheritance disputes are emotionally difficult and legally complex. Whether you're challenging a will, defending an estate, or seeking family provision, our specialist solicitors provide expert representation to protect your interests.

What Our Inheritance Dispute Solicitors Can Help With

• Will Contests: Challenging the validity of a will on various grounds
• Family Provision Claims: Inheritance Act claims for reasonable financial provision
• Probate Disputes: Challenging grants of probate and estate administration
• Executor Disputes: Removing or replacing ineffective executors
• Undue Influence Claims: Challenging wills made under pressure or coercion
• Lack of Capacity: Disputing wills made when testator lacked mental capacity
• Fraud and Forgery: Challenging fraudulent or forged wills
• Rectification Claims: Correcting errors in will drafting

Grounds for Challenging a Will

Lack of Testamentary Capacity:

• Testator didn't understand the nature of making a will
• Didn't comprehend the extent of their property
• Couldn't appreciate the claims of potential beneficiaries
• Suffered from mental illness affecting judgment

Lack of Valid Execution:

• Will not properly signed or witnessed
• Witnesses were beneficiaries or their spouses
• Testator didn't sign in presence of witnesses
• Technical defects in will preparation

Undue Influence:

• Coercion or pressure to change will terms
• Isolation from family members and advisors
• Manipulation by carers or new partners
• Changes made under duress or fear

Family Provision Claims (Inheritance Act 1975)

Who Can Claim:

• Spouses and civil partners
• Former spouses (in certain circumstances)
• Children (including adult children)
• People treated as children of the family
• Anyone maintained by the deceased
• Cohabitants (living together for 2+ years)

Factors Considered:

• Financial resources and needs of applicant
• Financial resources and needs of beneficiaries
• Size and nature of the estate
• Obligations and responsibilities of the deceased
• Physical or mental disability of any person
• Conduct of the applicant or any other person

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our solicitors often resolve disputes without court proceedings through:

• Mediation: Neutral third-party facilitated negotiations
• Arbitration: Binding decision by independent arbitrator
• Early Neutral Evaluation: Expert assessment of case merits
• Settlement Negotiations: Direct negotiations between parties
• Family Meetings: Facilitated family discussions

Inheritance Dispute Timescales

Key Time Limits:

• Family provision claims: 6 months from grant of probate
• Will challenges: No strict time limit but delay affects prospects
• Proprietary estoppel: No time limit but delay may be relevant
• Professional negligence: 6 years from date of knowledge

Typical Duration:

• Negotiated settlements: 6-12 months
• Mediated resolutions: 3-6 months
• Court proceedings: 12-24 months
• Complex litigation: 2+ years

Costs and Funding

Legal Costs:

• Hourly rates: £200-£800 per hour
• Total costs: £10,000-£100,000+ depending on complexity
• Court fees: £154-£1,090 depending on claim value
• Expert witness fees: £1,000-£5,000 per expert

Funding Options:

• Conditional Fee Arrangements (CFAs)
• After the Event (ATE) insurance
• Third-party funding
• Legal expenses insurance
• Payment from estate funds (in certain circumstances)

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Inheritance Disputes

• Specialist Expertise: Solicitors focusing exclusively on inheritance disputes
• Court Experience: Proven track record in contentious probate litigation
• Mediation Skills: Trained mediators to resolve disputes amicably
• Family Sensitivity: Understanding the emotional aspects of family disputes
• Strategic Approach: Balancing legal merits with practical considerations
• Cost Management: Transparent fee arrangements and cost budgeting

Inheritance disputes require specialist legal expertise to navigate complex emotional and legal issues while protecting family relationships where possible.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.