FAQ Inheritance Disputes
If you are involved in an Inheritance Dispute (whether as someone who is making a claim – or defending one), we are here to help.
As a leading Contentious Probate law firm in the UK we know how to get the best outcome for you. Our experienced solicitors will take the time to understand you and your case – helping you to get the best and quickest outcome.
What is an Inheritance Dispute?
Inheritance Disputes are sometimes known as 'Contentious Probate' cases. Inheritance Disputes fall into three distinct categories namely:
- A dispute about the validity of a Will – perhaps because it is alleged that the Will was not properly created, was created as a result of undue influence, that the person making the Will did not have sufficient mental capacity to do so or because the person signing the Will did not know or understand the effects. Sometimes there are technical reasons why a Will can be invalid – for example for a Will to be valid it must be signed by two witnesses – if only one witness signs a Will then it will be invalid.
- Sometimes although a Will is valid, a claim for reasonable provision can be made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975. Certain individuals can make a claim if reasonable provision has not been made for them, for example; husbands or wives, civil partners, former husbands, wives or civil partners, children (including adult children) dependants.
- Sometimes there are disputes involving the administration of the estate – for example, if the people dealing with the administration of the estate have not carried out their role appropriately.
How an Inheritance dispute made or defended?
The first step is to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation (by telephone) where we will be able to tell you what we think about your case, and analyse the relevant legal principles. Contacting us as early in the process as possible allows us to start work on your case while the details are still fresh in your mind. In Inheritance Act claims there is a strict 6 month time limit to start court proceedings.
The first step is to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation (by telephone) where we will be able to tell you what we think about your case, and analyse the relevant legal principles. Contacting us as early in the process as possible allows us to start work on your case while the details are still fresh in your mind. In Inheritance Act claims there is a strict 6 month time limit to start court proceedings.
What are the time limits for making an Inheritance dispute claim?
The answer to this question can be quite complicated. There is not generally a time limit to make a challenge to the validity of a Will or to challenge the administration of an estate. Claims under the Inheritance Act must generally be started within six months of a Grant of Representation (known as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration) being issued otherwise a claim may be prevented. Whilst there is not generally a time limit in respect of a challenge of a Will usually it is better to take active steps before a Grant of Representation has been issued. We can tell you about these steps.
How long do Inheritance disputes take to finish?
How long it takes for these disputes to conclude will depend on a number of things. We find that we are able to settle most claims within a matter of months. If a case goes all the way to a trial then it may take a year or two – depending on court availability. We work hard to bring cases to a conclusion without the delay associated with a full trial. We find that we are able to settle many claims at a mediation.
How long it takes for these disputes to conclude will depend on a number of things. We find that we are able to settle most claims within a matter of months. If a case goes all the way to a trial then it may take a year or two – depending on court availability. We work hard to bring cases to a conclusion without the delay associated with a full trial. We find that we are able to settle many claims at a mediation.
What is mediation?
We work with a range of top mediators to help people resolve claims without the need for a trial. A mediator is an independent person who has the experience to help people resolve a claim without the worry, risk and expense of a trial. Statistically, we find that about 85 per cent of our cases settle at, or very soon after, a mediation. Our clients tend to like this. A mediator does not decide a case – but only helps people to reach a settlement that is acceptable to them.
We work with a range of top mediators to help people resolve claims without the need for a trial. A mediator is an independent person who has the experience to help people resolve a claim without the worry, risk and expense of a trial. Statistically, we find that about 85 per cent of our cases settle at, or very soon after, a mediation. Our clients tend to like this. A mediator does not decide a case – but only helps people to reach a settlement that is acceptable to them.
Why choose us?
We are passionate about what it is that we do. We have decades of experience of dealing with this type of work - and you get the benefit of our expertise. We are true specialists – just look at the individual profile for Stephen Lawson.
We are passionate about what it is that we do. We have decades of experience of dealing with this type of work - and you get the benefit of our expertise. We are true specialists – just look at the individual profile for Stephen Lawson.
To discuss a potential Inheritance Dispute case, call us on 01925 230000 or complete the enquiry form on this page.