Will Dispute Solicitors
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we understand that disputes about a will can be extremely stressful. Our team of Will Disputes solicitors are highly experienced and specialises in Contentious Probate and Disputes, including all types of Will Disputes. You can rely on our expert team of solicitors to support and advise as we help resolve your dispute.
What are Will Disputes?
A Will dispute happens when someone challenges whether a Will is valid or fair. Common reasons for this include concerns about whether the person who made the Will was pressured or influenced, whether the Will was signed and prepared properly or if an individual believes the deceased had mental capacity when writing the Will.
These issues can be complex, timely and costly, so it’s essential to get professional advice early.
Contesting a Will at Bell Lamb & Joynson
We have extensive experience managing Will Disputes across the UK. Our Will Dispute solicitors can support all individuals with disputes, whether you are:
- Contesting a Will you believe is invalid
- Defending a Will as an executor or beneficiary
- Involved in disagreements about how an estate is being administered
With over 200 years of experience, you can count on us to handle complex court procedures during what can be a hard time.
There are many reasons a Will may be invalid. In most cases, claims regard a lack of mental capacity, as all individuals creating a Will must have been of sound mind. We can help in all scenarios, from challenging the validity of a Will to defending it.
If you have evidence that a Will has been forged, you can make an application to have it overturned. Our dedicated Will Dispute solicitors can assist you in this circumstance, as well as help those on the other side of the dispute.
If a Will seems out of character or different to how you expected, it may be due to undue influence. This is when an individual has potentially been manipulated and influenced during the creation of their Will. If you think that undue influence has taken place, we advise that you have strong evidence to make your claim.
Elder abuse may involve unfortunate situations in which an older and more vulnerable individual is pressured or manipulated into changing their original Will to benefit an abuser. Although this behaviour typically falls under the broader category of undue influence, these disputes specifically concern elderly people.
Financial abuse is typically connected, occurring when an elderly person is controlled by someone to gain control over assets and finances, which then influences how their estate is distributed after their death.
Inheritance Act Claims in the UK are legal claims made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. If you believe that you’ve not been provided with enough financial support from a deceased person’s estate, you may be able to bring an Inheritance Act Claim.
Typically, those affected are spouses, civil partners, children, or anyone who relied on the deceased financially – all of whom are advised to make a claim within six months from the Grant of Probate. Inheritance Act Claims don’t dispute a Will directly, but instead allow eligible individuals to seek financial provision if they haven’t been provided for by the deceased.
Executor or administration disputes involve ongoing disputes regarding how a deceased individual’s estate is to be managed and distributed by executors or administrators. Common causes for such disputes may include conflicts of interest, unexpected administration delays, poor management of the estate, or general disagreements over important decisions.
In summary, executor or administrator disputes often take place when important roles and duties aren’t fulfilled, leading to unfair treatment of other parties, such as beneficiaries.
Get in Touch With Our Will Dispute Solicitors Today
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, our team of proficient Will Dispute solicitors is here to assist you. We support both sides of Will Disputes, using a sensitive and professional approach to prove and disprove the validity of your claim.
Our award-winning Will Dispute solicitors are just a call away. Please contact us today.
Will Dispute Solicitors FAQs
How long do I have to contest a Will in the UK?
The limit on contesting a Will in the UK depends on the type of claim:
- Validity Claim - Generally, no fixed time, but it's advisable to make a claim sooner rather than later, as delays can make the case more complex
- Inheritance Act Claim - Six months from the grant of probate or grant of letters of administration
Your trusted Will Dispute solicitor at Bell Lamb & Joynson can help you get started in contesting a Will with no delays.
Is it worth disputing a Will?
Yes, disputing or contesting a Will in the UK is worth it if you believe that you have strong legal grounds and a dedicated Will Dispute solicitor to help you. There are many reasons why you may want to dispute a Will, including lack of mental capacity, undue influence or coercion, fraud, or issues more specific regarding elder abuse, failure of financial provision, and conflicts between executors or administrators.
Strong evidence to support your dispute is necessary to make the process worth it.
Do I need a solicitor to contest a Will?
There is no legal requirement to hire a solicitor to help contest a Will, but you should do so. Our Will Dispute solicitors are both knowledgeable and experienced, providing trusted legal support, guidance, and advice as you tackle often complex and strict legal rules. We’ve worked with many clients contesting a will, helping them gather relevant evidence to later represent them in court.
Can I contest a Will even if I'm not named in it?
Yes, you can contest a Will even if you aren't named in it. However, it depends on whether you have a legitimate interest or legal right.
For instance, if you aren't a close relative or spouse and have no connection or interest in the finances from the deceased's estate, you likely won't be able to contest a will. Our contesting a Will solicitors can explain the grounds to contest a Will in more detail upon contacting us.
What is a probate caveat, and should I enter one?
A probate caveat is a type of formal legal notice that prevents a grant of probate from being issued for someone's estate. While the caveat is in place, no one can apply to administer the estate. If you have concerns regarding the validity of the deceased person's Will, you may wish to enter a probate caveat, which can last for at least six months and be renewed if necessary.
Still got a question? Get in touch!