What can you do if you are disinherited by a step-parent?
As this real-life case study illustrates, you have a number of options open to you if you are disinherited by a step-parent.
Inheritance dispute solicitor and ACTAPS member Anya Hoyland has been successful in reaching a highly favourable resolution of her client’s case at mediation, settling the claim for a significant five figure sum.
Anya’s client was a stepchild who had been disinherited by her step-parent. She contacted Anya about her legal options, and Anya took on her case, working under a No Win, No Fee agreement.
Our client had understandably found it extremely upsetting to be disinherited in this way, especially as she had provided significant support to her step-parent during their lifetime. She had been given promises in respect of her future inheritance, but these promises had not been honoured in the Will.
The primary legal claim that Anya put forward was based on a challenge against the legal validity of the step-parent’s Will. This argument was advanced on the grounds that the step-parent lacked testamentary capacity when they made their Will. In addition to this main claim, Anya also pursued two secondary claims. One involved an allegation of proprietary estoppel, while the other claim was made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Anya’s success at this mediation adds to the team’s incredible track record, achieving a 95% mediation success rate in contentious probate disputes. Mediation has a number of benefits. In particular, it is quicker and cheaper, and clients generally find it a lot less stressful than court-based solutions. We have prepared a short guide to mediation, featuring our top six tips for success, which you can read here.
How we can help if a step-parent has disinherited you
We have been rated the top solicitors for contentious probate claims in the UK by the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors*. We are also recommended by the Legal 500 (often referred to as the ‘Michelin Guide to the legal sector’), and were Highly Commended in the category of Contentious Wills & Probate Team of the Year (Large) at the prestigious British Wills and Probate Awards 2026.
We offer a free consultation service. We will therefore be happy to consider your case and let you know if it is a matter we feel we can assist with.
So to find out where you stand on making a claim, call our FREE legal helpline on 0333 888 0407, or email us at info@inheritancedisputes.co.uk
