Inheritance Act Disputes (Left Out of a Will)
If you believe that you have been left out of a will, or left insufficient provision within said will, we are able to provide professional advice in a confidential and timely manner. Whether you’re a family member, spouse, or friend of the deceased, we are willing to help you get the resolution you deserve.
Alternatively, if you feel that your share of the estate wasn’t a true representation of what had been discussed, you can also contest this. Fast action is crucial when contesting a will, as claims under the Inheritance Act should be made within six months of probate.
JMW’s team of professional and considerate inheritance solicitors is able to provide you with expert legal advice and practical support surrounding the amount of estate left to you in a will, or failure to be included in a will, exactly when you need it. We are here to make the process as stress-free as possible as we know that this is a difficult time for you.
If you are in need of a professional, caring legal service to assist you with an Inheritance Act dispute, get in touch with our dedicated team today by contacting us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to receive a call back.
How JMW Can Help
Our experienced solicitors can work on behalf of all types of claimants, people who are defending an estate, or those trying to safeguard assets that they are due to receive from the deceased.
Our services are confidential and matters are handled with the utmost care and consideration for all of those involved. All of our solicitors will act in a sensitive, pragmatic manner, ensuring that your issues are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Our solicitors are praised for their professional approach and expert application of extensive knowledge. They will work closely with fellow colleagues in the Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning department to provide tailored specialist advice.
Our Accreditations
Our Will Dispute solicitors have been awarded professional accreditation from organisations and associations including:
- The Legal 500 - Who said that JMW are a “great team. Good legal knowledge and commercial approach to litigation. The team moves very quickly, and is very calm and knowledgeable.”
- Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide - JMW’s wills disputes team is described by an interviewee as a “professional, modern firm delivering expert advice”. Alison Parry is described as “one of the best litigators in Manchester” and her “strengths are her obvious expertise, her capability and her empathy”.
- The Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) - Membership to this association requires solicitors firms to meet certain criteria based on their performance in this line of work.
- Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) - Membership of STEP demonstrates our commitment to high professional standards and continued professional development, building the confidence, respect and trust of our clients.
- Special Interest Group for Contentious Trusts and Estates - Members of this group are focused on international trust and estate law while promoting best practice in the handling of contentious trust and estate disputes and trustee litigation.
FAQs About Inheritance Act Disputes
Who can be involved in an Inheritance Act dispute?
Family members, friends, and beneficiaries are entitled to contest a will if they feel that they have not received the assets that they need. We can also assist beneficiaries who want to protect their inheritance against someone who is contesting a will, as well as represent charities that want to defend a donation that a supporter left to them in their will.
People who are entitled to make a claim under the Inheritance Act include the deceased’s:
- Spouse/civil partner
- Children
- Partner who lived with them for two or more years immediately before their death
- Ex-spouse/civil partner who has not remarried or formed a new civil partnership
- A person treated like a child by the deceased, such as a stepchild
- A person being financially maintained by the deceased
However, you won’t automatically qualify for provision from an estate just because you fit into one of these categories. Courts will consider your financial position, the financial needs of the other beneficiaries along with the nature of your relationship with the deceased.
Is there a time limit for when you can contest?
You must act fast if you wish to contest a will. Claims under the Inheritance Act typically should only be made within six months of probate. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Speak with one of our expert solicitors to find out if you are in a position to take action.
How much does this service cost?
The price of contesting a will under the Inheritance Act, and providing the right solicitor to deal with the case, can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the issue as well as whether or not you need to go to court.
This price will also depend on the amount of time our solicitors must spend dealing with your case in order to get your desired results. We are happy to arrange a discussion to talk through costs and how they will be split between those involved. If the dispute ends up going to court, a judge will have the decision over how these costs must be paid.
We are able to work with you to come to funding arrangements that suit you, including conditional (“no win, no fee”) and deferred fees. Alternatively, we can set up a monthly payment method and give you a clear breakdown of the amount of time incurred along with relevant costs. We will work with you to determine the most suitable option.
Bringing an Inheritance Act claim to court can be an expensive process, so we are on hand to offer advice regarding these associated costs also.
Talk to Us
To speak to one of our professional wills disputes solicitors about Inheritance Act disputes and being left out of a will, get in touch with us today by simply calling us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
