Contentious Wills & Probate

We deal with a broad range of disputes relating to wills, inheritance and probate. It's a good idea to ensure you have the right lawyers representing you.

These types of disputes are becoming more common, are complex and risky and generally you need to act fast.

We have highly experienced lawyers, who can advise you if you have concerns :

• about the validity of a will

• that the deceased may have been pressured when making their will

• that you have been excluded in the will

•  that the executors and/or trustees are incompetent and/or are not fulfilling their role fairly

With experts in many of our 26 office locations, we have the right lawyer for you in the right location. Please get in contact to discuss your case and find out why we are one of the UK's fastest growing law firms.

Challenging the validity of a Will

There are a number of reasons why a Will might not be valid, including :

• It was not executed correctly

• The testator did not know what they were signing (‘lack of knowledge and approval’)

• Someone coerced the testator into making the Will (‘undue influence’)

• The will is not the latest will

We act for both Claimants and Defendants in these types of cases and can even provide guidance on mediation to resolve matters.

Making a claim after being left out of a will

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain groups of people to claim that the will does not leave them reasonable financial provision, often where they have been excluded or not left much in the will. You are entitled to bring a claim, if you are:

• The deceased’s spouse/civil partner

• The deceased’s former spouse/civil partner and you have not subsequently remarried or formed a new civil partnership

• A cohabitee for 2 years or more up to the date of death

• A child of the deceased

• Anyone treated as a child of the deceased (e.g. a stepchild)

• Anyone being financially maintained by the deceased

To succeed you will need to demonstrate a financial need and your claim will be balanced against other factors, such as the value of the estate and the financial needs of those who were left money or assets in the will. Successfully claim is not easy and you generally only have 6 months after the date probate is granted to start your claim (this period can be extended in some circumstances).

Our team of experts will be able to advise you on the merits of your case and whether this type of claim would be the right option for you. If you would like further guidance on any of the above, or wish to instruct a Solicitor, please get in touch by telephone on 020 3540 4444 or by email at info@taylor-rose.co.uk