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Contentious Probate Solicitors for Probate Disputes & Will Challenges

 

Contentious Probate refers to a disagreement, usually relating to an inheritance or Will, which arises following the death of a family member or friend. 

At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand that disagreements like this can cause a lot of worry at what is already a very difficult time. 

Our team is friendly and approachable with a proven track record of getting things sorted quickly and efficiently. They can explain everything in a clear, easy to understand manner, helping you through disputes with sensitivity, speed and assurance.

If you are worried about how much legal services may cost, please feel free to contact us to talk about our wide range of pricing options, which include fixed fees as well as service level guarantees, demonstrating our commitment to the level of service we are able to offer.

Contested Probate & Will Dispute Resolution

The death of a loved one is extremely distressing and can be made all the more traumatic if you or someone else believes the will to be invalid.

Our team is experienced in dealing with all types of will and inheritance disputes and can help challenge a will’s validity via Validity Claims. Our solicitors can also make sure you are able to claim what you are entitled to in a will via Financial Provision Claims.

They are also experts at helping people recover assets which may have been promised to them via Proprietary Estoppel, or dealing with Negligence or Rectification Claims.

In the unfortunate circumstances of a dispute about a will between beneficiaries, trustees or personal representatives, our specialists are experienced at dealing with Trust Disputes and will work with you to find a solution.

Who can contest a Will?

 In the vast majority of cases, a will is contested by a family member. For example:

  • A spouse or civil partner
  • A partner who has lived with the deceased for two years or more
  • A former spouse
  • A child
  • A step-child
  • A dependent

As a family member, you are not necessarily or automatically entitled to receive anything from the deceased’s estate but our accomplished team of solicitors will act swiftly to establish the facts and background to your case, before advising you on the chances of overturning the existing terms of the will.

We can offer advice on whether it is appropriate to contest the will and on the next steps to take.

Grounds for contesting a Will 

Disputes often arise over the division of assets or the exclusion of an expected beneficiary completely.

Grounds for contesting a Will can include:

  • The will was unsigned
  • It was not witnessed properly
  • Doubt over the validity of the Will
  • The deceased did not have the mental capacity to make a Will at the time
  • The deceased was influenced or coerced into making the Will
  • Impropriety on the behalf of the executors or trustees
  • The solicitor that drafted the Will did so negligently
  • The Will fails to adequately provide for family members and dependents of the deceased
  • Forgery and Fraud

How we can help when disputes arise

If you feel that you have been unfairly left out of a Will or you are an executor who is either acting on someone else’s behalf or defending a claim, our specialist legal team are there to help with the expertise and experience that you need.

If you believe you have grounds to contest a Will, it is imperative that you contact us without delay. In some cases, a claim must be brought within six months of any Grant of Probate. You don’t have long, so take legal advice as soon as possible.

Legal Directory Recommendations

In The Legal 500 2023 directory the Contentious Probate department is ranked in Tier Three for the West Midlands which states, 'Claire Vale leads the contentious probate department at Lanyon Bowdler which advises on claims under the Inheritance Act, as well as on various probate disputes involving challenges to the validity of wills. The practice is well-placed to advise on other disputes with executors/administrators and applications to remove executors/administrators.'

Contact Lanyon Bowdler's Contentious Probate Lawyers

Give a member of the team a call or complete our online enquiry form to see how we can help you.

We have offices in Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bromyard, Hereford and Conwy; so if one of these locations is particularly convenient to you, please let us know - but we do represent clients nationally and abroad.

Testimonials

Lucy has been a constant source of support and advice and without her I really don’t think we would be where we are today. Her knowledge and understanding of the situation has meant she has been one step ahead in planning etc all the way along.

- Anon

Always get back to you quickly and always friendly. 

- Mrs S Embrey

Impressed with the personal touch, advice and communication.

- Mrs Sharon English, Whitchurch

Impressed with attention to detail.

- Ms H Coleman & Mr M Armstrong, Suffolk

Politeness, clarity of information.

- Mr C Pudge, Worcester

Friendly service, no complications and easy to understand.

- Mr K & Mrs C Pritchard, Telford

Very professional & expert advice. Listened carefully to what I had to say, friendly and welcoming as well as very knowledgeable. 

- Ms Eileen Fitton, Oswestry

I was very happy that I used Lanyon Bowdler.

- Mr Richard A Cave, Wrexham

Case Studies

Testate Case Study

Claire acted on a

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