- The significance of lifetime gifts to an inheritance claim defence If you are looking for experienced contested probate solicitors to help you with an inheritance claim defence then call…
- DNA tests for inheritance disputes DNA tests for inheritance disputes are becoming increasingly common. If you are involved in an inheritance dispute and would like to know more about DNA…
- Can you buy out a beneficiary if you have both inherited a property? For further guidance on whether you can buy out a beneficiary contact our free legal helpline…
- The effect of grief on the validity a will People, including lawyers, often overlook the fact that grief can make a will invalid. For guidance on the validity of…
- Can I represent myself in a will dispute? While you can represent yourself in a will dispute, it generally pays to appoint expert solicitors so as to avoid the…
- What is fraudulent calumny? Inheritance disputes solicitor, Chris Holten, has recently collaborated with barrister Chris Bryden of 4 King’s Bench Walk on an article about fraud in wills and…
- Invalidly witnessed wills rise during lockdown There are fears that the number of invalidly witnessed wills may have substantially increased during lockdown, leading to an increased number of inheritance…
- Inheritance disputes involving children and their stepparents Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a common problem facing adult children when their family home passes to a stepparent and answers…
- Trust dispute law: Can a trustee transfer trust assets to themselves and what is the rule against self-dealing? Trust dispute lawyer Naomi Ireson looks at the recent case of…
- Taking a look at a commonly asked question, "Can my husband leave me out of his will?" We specialise in inheritance law, dealing with cases nationwide. If you have…
- One of the most common questions we hear is, 'What does it cost to contest a will?' We specialise in contesting wills. For free initial guidance, details of No…
- Who pays the legal costs when a will is challenged in the UK? The cost of any legal action is always an important consideration and it is thought that…
- Who's the daddy? The inheritance rights of IVF children At the start of National Fertility Awareness Week, our inheritance disputes team look at a recent case they dealt with…
- A question that regularly crops up on our free legal helpline is, 'Can an executor be removed before probate has been granted?' If you are looking for solicitors who are…
- The will of JRR Tolkien 23 July 1973 The first in a series of articles on the wills of famous people. People often overlook the fact that a probated…
- Inheritance dispute solicitors with a track record of success win at trial If you are looking for highly specialised inheritance dispute solicitors with a track record of success and experience of…
- How does the law determine who inherits when two people die at the same time? An inheritance dispute has made the headlines after two step sisters asked a court…
- Has probate been granted? This is how you can find out. We specialise in contested wills and inheritance disputes. The first step in these cases is often to find…
- What can be done if a loved one is coerced into making a will, or changing their previous will? If you wish to challenge the validity of a will…
- We take a look at the relationship between inheritance disputes and DIY wills The president of the Law Society has urged people to consult a solicitor when they want…
- With fraudulent wills on the increase we look at how to contest a fake will The Public and Commercial Services Union has issued a warning that there is a…
- The legal rights of someone whose name is not on the deeds We are often contacted by co-habitees and family members asking, 'What are my rights if my name…
- Time limits for challenging a will If you are making an Inheritance Act claim or contesting the validity of a will then it is important that you act quickly…
- What can I do if a solicitor makes a mistake when preparing a will? We are often contacted by beneficiaries who ask, 'What can I do if a solicitor…
- Discretionary trust executor disputes Discretionary trusts can often lead to executors disputes arising. For expert guidance on discretionary trusts and executors disputes call our free legal helpline on 0808…
- Callers to our legal helpline often ask, 'Can I make a claim against someone for going back on their word?' Can I make a claim against someone for going…
- lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a question that is commonly asked by beneficiaries, 'What if you inherit a house someone is living in?' For expert advice on this issue…
- Making an inheritance claim on your ex husband or wife's estate Inheritance dispute lawyers are often asked about the impact of divorce, a common question being, 'Can I claim…
- When a will is challenged, what should an executor do to avoid becoming personally liable? What can an executor do when a will is challenged in order to avoid…
- The Cinderella Dilemma and how to protect your children’s inheritance Inheritance disputes are on the rise. One of the reasons for this is a significant increase in the number…
- Making an inheritance claim on an estate For further guidance on how to make a claim on an estate call our free inheritance helpline on 0808 139 1599 or…
- How to find a will and get a copy of it Practical advice on how to find a will and get a copy for it, from specialist probate and…
- Claiming inheritance money We are often asked how to claim inheritance money and other assets. Here is a short guide on what you need to know about the law…
- Valuing an inheritance claim As specialist inheritance dispute solicitors one of the most common questions we get asked is, 'What's my inheritance claim worth?' If you require guidance on…
- Contesting a will If you require further guidance on how to contest a will in England call our free legal helpline on 0808 139 1599 or send us an…
- Claiming an inheritance When a person dies, their estate will be distributed in accordance with their will, or if they died without a valid will the rules of intestacy,…
- Getting a copy of a will People frequently ask us how to get a copy of a will. This query often arises where a person believes they are named…
- Contesting your father’s will A son or daughter is free to contest their father’s will. For further guidance on contesting a will call our free legal helpline on 0808…
- Can I challenge my husband’s will? Many married couples make what are known as ‘mirror wills’. In a mirror will each spouse makes financial provision for the other when…
- Proprietary estoppel is in the news once again with another family farm dispute It is common for the legal principle of proprietary estoppel to be relied upon in family…
- In this intestacy rules UK update we take a look at how to avoid intestacy by using a 'common tragedy clause' People tend to think that the intestacy rules…
- How you can enter a caveat We regularly receive calls to our free legal helpline from people who want to know how to enter a caveat. Many people we…
- Defending a challenge to a will For further guidance on how to defend a challenge to a will call our free legal helpline on 0808 139 1599 or send…
- Children's inheritance rights We frequently receive enquiries from people asking , 'Is a child entitled to inherit something from their parents' estate?' In this article we look at the…
- A legal guide to contesting a will As experts in inheritance disputes we are often asked, ‘Can I contest a will?’ We have therefore prepared this summary of the…
- Have you been cut out of a will? If you are wondering, ‘What can I do if I have been cut out of a will?’ then call our free…
- A guide to defending a will A short guide to the law for beneficiaries, executors and administrators who wish to defend a will. For further guidance call our free…
- Proprietary estoppel We are specialist proprietary estoppel solicitors with experience of dealing with claims on a no win, no fee basis. This case study tells the story of a farmer…
- Is a gift by an attorney valid? We look at the circumstances in which an attorney can make a gift to himself, his friends or his family, from the…
- What is a trustees duty to disclose trust documents to a beneficiary? A brief guide to a trustees duty to disclose trust documents to a beneficiary. For further guidance…
- What is the position when executors charges are not agreed? This issue was recently considered in Mussell v Patience. In this case the executors sought a declaration from the…
- Homemade will disputes Homemade DIY wills are well known for creating legal confusion. In this article we look at the risks of homemade wills and how they can result…
- Cohabitee Inheritance Act success A cohabitee has succeeded in an Inheritance Act claim against her partner’s estate contrary to his explicit wishes. For guidance on making a cohabitee Inheritance…
- Daughter wins family farm proprietary estoppel claim We deal with proprietary estoppel claims nationwide and won a famous victory in the Ely v Robson Court of Appeal estoppel claim.…
- What are your inheritance rights if your partner has died? Have you been left in financial trouble because your partner has passed away? If so, what are your inheritance rights if…
- What can you do when someone goes back on a promised inheritance? As another inheritance dispute involving broken promises hit the headlines we look at what you can do…
- Inheritance claim against partner's estate An elderly man has won the right to remain in his home after making a successful inheritance claim against his partner's estate. If you…
- Lack of capacity invalidates will We specialise in dealing with invalid will cases, including invalidity due to lack of capacity. To find out where you stand call us for…
- The role of probate dispute mediation in resolving inheritance disputes We specialise in probate disputes. To find out where you stand call our experienced team for a free case assessment…
- We review the latest case on 'deathbed gifts' A recent court case has once again raised the issue deathbed gifts. If you require guidance in relation to deathbed gifts…
- Can an alcoholic make a valid will? For experienced guidance on the impact of alcoholism on making a valid will call our specialist team on 0808 139 1599 or…
- Death of a Playboy: A member of our inheritance disputes team speculates on the potential for Hugh Heffner's estate to become involved in an inheritance dispute I woke up recently…
- The dangers of inheritance claim delay Inheritance claim delay can lead to the money in an estate being distributed or dissipated. It is therefore vital to act quickly. So if…
- Lawyer Naomi Ireson looks at how to remove an executor by issuing a citation For expert guidance on removing an executor by issuing a citation call our free legal…
- Nikah inheritance disputes For expert guidance on nikah inheritance disputes in England and Wales contact our free legal helpline by telephone or email. What is nikah? Nikah is a…
- Audrey Hepburn's will After years of wrangling, the sons of the late Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn, have finally reached agreement on how to divide their mother’s possessions. The iconic Hepburn, famed for her portrayal…
- Where there's wealth, there's conflict: Inheritance dispute claims rise Specialist inheritance lawyer Naomi Ireson reviews a new report on inherited wealth and predicts a 50% rise in the number of inheritance…
- Legal requirements for a witness signing a will We specialise in inheritance law, representing people nationwide. If you are involved in a dispute regarding the legal requirements for a…
- The Inheritance Act and joint property If you would like further information on the Inheritance Act and joint property or you are considering an inheritance claim in an estate where…
- inheritance dispute mediation We are great advocates of mediation. Compared to conventional litigation, mediated solutions can be so much faster and, above all, cheaper. Here are six top tips on how…
- Contentious probate lawyer, Naomi Ireson, provides a brief commentary on the leading case for adult child 1975 Act claims which has recently been heard by the Supreme Court. The…
- Family farm claim A farmer's son has been awarded the sole ownership of a farming business, on the basis that it had been promised to him many years before.…
- Inheritance claims made by children The Times is reporting that there has been a steady rise in the number of inheritance claims made by children. If you are looking for…
- The deceased, Cynthia Maria Lyons, passed away at the age of 83 in 2011. She died intestate, meaning that she did not leave a will. Her estate consisted of…
- What is the legal position if your partner dies when the house is in their name? We frequently receive calls from worried people asking, 'What happens if my partner dies…
- Specialist estoppel solicitors Slee Blackwell partner, Naomi Ireson, was instructed by Mr Ely in the recently reported Court of Appeal estoppel case of Ely v Robson. If you are…
- When does a common law wife (or husband) have a legal claim in relation to their partner's property? In this short article we look at the doctrine of proprietary…
- The High Court has ordered a firm of solicitors to pay £8,000 costs for delay in delivering final estate accounts. The practice began acting as executors in 1996. However,…
- People frequently contact us about a Court of Protection deputy dispute. This short summary will help explain what can be involved. What is a Court of Protection Deputy? A…
- With dementia and Altzheimer's increasingly affecting an aging population we are frequently consulted about whether medical conditions of this type can prevent someone from making a valid will. We deal…
- Proprietary estoppel claims; Detriment and expectation Proprietary estoppel claims are in the news again with the case of Davis v Davis and Davis, an appeal against a lower court's…
- Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, reviews a case where a wealthy widow made an inheritance claim for secret assets The case concerned an inheritance claim in respect of the estate…
- Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a case in which an unmarried, dpendant woman made a successful inheritance claim against her late partner's estate. Wright-Gordon v Legister is one…
- The High Court of Justice has confirmed in the case of Walker v Badmin (2014) that the correct test for determining testamentary capacity is that which set out in…
- The law distinguishes between the legal owner of a property and the beneficial owner. While the legal owners and beneficial owners are often the same, this isn’t always the…
- Inheritance Act Lawyer, Naomi Ireson, who regularly represents claimants and defendants in claims by adult children under the Inheritance Act, looks at an important High Court decision. A common…
- Inheritance dispute lawyer, Naomi Ireson, reviews the Inheritance and Trustees' Powers Act 2014 which will come into force later in 2014. REFORMS TO INHERITANCE (PROVISION FOR FAMILY AND DEPENDANTS)…
- Litigants should think twice before dismissing or even ignoring an invitation to mediate says Contentious Probate lawyer, Naomi Ireson PGF II SA v OMFS Company 1 Ltd [2013] EWCA…
- Mr W, our client, was the son of Mrs W who died in July 2011. Mr W was one of 3 children of the deceased. He had a sister…
- Can a beneficiary claim against a solicitor? A solicitor owes a duty of care to a beneficiary of a Will. If a beneficiary loses out due to the solicitor's…
- Millions of people worldwide die every year intestate, without making a will. These intestate estates leave substantial sums of money and property which, if not claimed, goes to the…
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a complex area but here are some basic principles that anyone considering inheritance issues should be aware of: IHT cannot be avoided. IHT has to be paid within…
- The similarities of mirror wills and mutual wills Both mirror Wills and mutual Wills provide for two testators to leave their property in the same or similar ways. The…
- Inheritance solicitor, Lee Dawkins, examines an important Court of Appeal judgment involving an inheritance claim against an intestate estate We specialise in dealing with inheritance claims, including inheritance claims against an intestate…
- A brief guide to the inheritance rights of married and unmarried couples We specialise in dealing with inheritance disputes, representing people nationwide. We are often able to make claims…
- When should happen where a member of a religious family believes that the traditions and principles of their religion are unfair? Ranjit Singh died in March 2009 leaving a…
- Inheritance promises: A recent case has highlighted the importance of being cautious about any promises you make to friends and family about an inheritance, just in case they rely…
- What are the inheritance rights of adpoted children? Are you unsure whether you have the right to receive an inheritance from your biological family or your adopted family? This…
- It’s a common misconception that a Will cannot be changed after a testator has died. Take the case of Irish-born Bridget Murray. She died in July 2010 aged 87,…
- In this brief guide we look at Caveats, Warnings and Appearances in inheritance disputes Caveats A caveat is a procedure that is used to prevent a grant of probate…
- With the rights of same sex couples in the headlines at the moment, we thought it would be a timely opportunity to provide an overview of the inheritance rights…
- What are the inheritance rights of stepchildren? We are regularly contacted by stepchildren who want to know what their inheritance rights are, especially when a stepchild has been disinherited…
- Recent research commissioned by Sainsbury’s Life Insurance has revealed the extent to which retired parents are providing financial assistance to their adult children. Retired people were found to have…
- Further to our article on 21 February 2011 we now have the Court of Appeal’s decision in the Inheritance Act case of Heather Ilott v David Mitson (& 4…
- The courts have recently revisited the often controversial and misunderstood area of mutual Wills. It would therefore seem an ideal time to review the principles that are generally applicable:-…
- The importance of good family communications in avoiding inheritance disputes. A survey carried out by National Savings and Investments has revealed that there is widespread ignorance within families about…
- A recent case has highlighted the importance of ensuring that testators do not act irrationally or unreasonably in excluding family members from their Will and that Claimants are not…
- The Court of Appeal makes a distinction between mental capacity when will instructions are given with mental capacity when the will is executed. The Court of Appeal has upheld…
- Privileged Wills 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…
- Larke v Nugus statements explained Cases involving disputed wills very often feature a Larke v Nugus statement. But what is a Larke v Nugus statement? We explain all about…
- The legal liabilities of personal representatives, executors and administrators What is a personal representative? A personal representative, or PR, is someone with legal authority to administer an estate. If…
- Lasting powers of attorney We specialise in preparing lasting powers of attorney and dealing with attorney disputes. Call our free helpline on 0808 139 1599 or send us an…
- Why everyone should have a will If you are involved in a dispute over a will then our specialist lawyers are here to help. If you call our free…
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the rules of intestacy The rules of intestacy can result in unfair outcomes and leave people suffering financial hardship following the death of…
- A brief legal guide to inheritance Act claims Our specialist no win, no fee solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with Inheritance Act claims on a no win, no…
- The Intestacy Rules that regulate the distribution of the estate of a deceased person who dies without a Will have recently changed. This is how the new Intestacy Rules will…