Last Updated on 9th April 2026
We specialise in inheritance act claims nationwide, often working on a no win no fee basis. For guidance on making an inheritance claim contact our recommended lawyers for a free consultation by calling 0333 888 0407, or emailing info@inheritancedisputes.co.uk.
Following on from our article about how to make an Inheritance Act claim, we now turn to how much you can get from an inheritance claim.
The Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 is designed to provide reasonable financial provision to eligible people who don’t receive reasonable financial provision under the terms of the deceased’s Will or the intestacy rules.
The Inheritance Act does not specify a precise amount. Nor does it provide for an equal division of the estate. How much you can get from an inheritance claim depends on a wide variety of factors, including the following:
Your financial needs and resources
The majority of applicants will have to establish that they are in need of financial provision. The value of the claim will therefore largely hinge upon your financial need. For example, if you have significant debts, are unable to work, or have disabilities requiring care, your claim is likely to be of higher value.
A spouse (or a former spouse who is yet to divorce) does not need to establish a financial need for provision, and will therefore be awarded a more generous sum than other applicants. Spouses will often argue that the starting point is what they would have received if there had been a divorce, which is often 50% of the estate.
The value of the estate
Your claim will be closely linked to the money that’s in the estate. The greater the value of the estate, the more money there is for the court to distribute to you, and any other parties.
Your relationship with the deceased
The court will look at your relationship with the deceased compared to the other parties involved in the dispute. The closer the relationship you had with the deceased, the higher the moral obligation to provide for you.
The financial needs and resources of the beneficiaries of the estate
The amount you receive will be greater if you are able to establish that you have more financial needs than the beneficiaries.
Other relevant factors
The court will also look at whether the deceased expressed any specific wishes, or gave any reasons for excluding you from the Will. Was there was an agreement between you and the deceased prior to their death, such as a prenuptial agreement in the case of spouses?
There are a variety of other factors the court will take into consideration but the value of your claim will largely hinge upon your financial needs and resources and the nature and value of the estate.
Contact us for a free consultation about what your inheritance claim could be worth
This article gives very general guidance. Each case is different and the amount awarded to you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Advice should therefore be sought from solicitors who specialise in this area of law.
It is also important to be aware that there are very strict timescales attached to Inheritance Act claims, and therefore you should seek specialist legal advice promptly following the death of the deceased.
We offer a free consultation service and will be happy to provide you with guidance on what you can claim. We can also give you details of our No Win, No Fee funding scheme.