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We specialise in inheritance disputes, disputed wills and all types of contentious probate cases.

 

Writing willOur experienced litigation team works in close association with our private client department, bringing you a unique blend of expert knowledge in the highly specialised field of inheritance disputes, will disputes and contentious probate.

 

We are able to provide sympathetic assistance with a wide range of cases including:

 

  • Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.
  • Disputed wills based on allegations of mental capacity.
  • Will disputes based on allegations of undue influence.
  • Wills dispute based on allegations of invalid procedure or fraud.
  • Disputes involving Executors or Trustees.
  • Disputed Powers of Attorney.
  • Negligently drafted wills and professional negligence claims.

We provide a FREE inheritance dispute case assessment service and offer a range of funding options including Legal Aid and No Win – No Fee.

 

News & Articles


Heir Hunters Probate Beneficiary Research

An article on the work of Heir Hunters and the Heir Hunters Association who trace beneficiaries to unclaimed estates more

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Basic Principles of Inheritance Tax (IHT) Explained

Probate Solicitor, Emily Hockin, tackles the complex area of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and highlights the main principles that people should know more

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The difference between Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills

Inheritance dispute lawyer, Naomi Ireson explains the difference between Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills more

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Important new Inheritance Act decision

Reported cases under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 are few and far between. Here is a summary of a recent Judgment in the Court of Appeal. more

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Inheritance Rights for Unmarried Couples and Spouses

Contentious Probate Solicitor, Hayley Blyth, notes that the tide of inheritance rights is changing in favour of couples... more

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When Religious Tradition Meets 21st Century Legal Principles

Hayley Blyth, a solicitor specialising in contested wills and contentious probate law examines what happens when law and religion conflict... more

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The Last Person

Inheritance disputes lawyer, Hayley Blyth, takes a look at a recent court decision that represents a further incursion into the principle of testamentary freedom... more

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Adopted Children and Inheritance

Inheritance solicitor, Hayley Blyth looks at the inheritance rights of adopted children... more

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Mistake and Rectification of Wills Another tool to use to cut out an unworthy beneficiary?

Wills dispute solicitor, Hayley Blyth looks at rectification of Wills... more

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Caveats, Warnings and Appearances

Contentious probate solicitor, Lee Dawkins summarises the legal position... more

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Inheritance Rights for Same Sex Couples

Inheritance disputes lawyer, Naomi Ireson, examines how the law deals with inheritance rights involving gay and lesbian couples... more

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Inheritance Claims and the Problem of the Disinherited Stepchild

Here’s a common scenario that we encounter on a daily basis: Parents divorce and remarry, mum or dad trusts their new spouse to “do the right thing” when they die. ... more

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Retirees handing billions to adult children

Stephen Moore considers research on early inheritance and the risk of inheritance disputes arising from lifetime gifts... more

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Adult Child Wins Her Inheritance Act Claim Appeal

Contested Wills solicitor, Hayley Blyth follows up on her recent article and the case that has far reaching consequences for testators, dependants and beneficiaries alike... more

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Number of intestate estates falls as more people make Wills

The number of people in the UK dying intestate (without having made a Will) is falling. Between 1997 and 2006 the rate... more

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Mutual Wills: A brief overview of the technical requirements

The courts have recently revisited the often controversial and misunderstood area of mutual Wills. It would therefore... more

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It’s good to talk

The importance of good family communications in avoiding inheritance disputes... more

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A Warning to Testators and Claimants Under the Inheritance Act

A recent case has highlighted the importance of ensuring that testators do not act irrationally or unreasonably in excluding family members from their will... more

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Testamentary Capacity: At What Point is it Required?

The Court of Appeal contrasts Capacity when will instructions are given with Capacity when the will is executed... more

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What is a Privileged Will?

A Privileged Will is an informal will which remains valid even though it does not fulfil the usual legal requirements. Privileged wills are normally written but can be oral... more

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What is a Larke v Nugus Statement?

A Larke v Nugus statement is  prepared by the Solicitor who originally prepared the disputed will or witnessed its execution. These statements are frequently... more

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Liability of a Personal Representative

The Personal Representative, or PR, is a person with responsibility for winding up a deceased’s estate. The PR calls in the assets, pays all debts and distributes... more

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Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (or LPA ) allows the “Donor” to nominate someone they trust, “the Attorney, to take care of their affairs once they are no longer ... more

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Why do I need a Will?

Making a will can ensure your final wishes are carried out, including where your possessions and money go after your death. ... more

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Intestacy Rules: Question and Answer

What does ‘Intestacy’ mean? Intestacy is the legal term used when a person dies without having made a will. The Rules of Intestacy designate who is entitled to the estate. ... more

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Inheritance Act Claims: Justice will be Done

When we eventually die we should be able to leave all our worldly goods to whoever we choose, right? Wrong! A recent legal case has highlighted... more

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Changes to the Intestacy Rules: Effective from February 2009.

The Intestacy Rules that regulate the distribution of the estate of a deceased person who dies without a Will have recently changed... more

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ITVITV are making a programme about inheritance disputes and have asked us to assist.

They would like to speak to anyone who has had experience of an inheritance dispute and is willing to share their experiences and... more