Last Updated on 22nd April 2026
If you are looking for solicitors specialising in executor disputes in Bristol, then our team is here to help.
We have a large team of contentious probate solicitors who are highly experienced in dealing with executor disputes. We cover the whole of England and Wales and have an office in Bristol. Contact us for a free consultation by calling 0333 888 0407 or emailing info@inheritancedisputes.co.uk
What is an executor?
An executor is someone who is appointed under a will to administer a deceased person’s legal and financial affairs. They have legal responsibility for managing the assets of the estate, including money, property, and personal possessions. This typically involves them in:
- identifying assets and liabilities
- securing property and possessions
- paying debts and taxes
- distributing the estate to the beneficiaries
The executor’s legal duties begin at the date of death and continue until the estate has been fully administered and distributed to the beneficiaries.
It will often be necessary for an executor to apply for a Grant of Probate before they can deal with certain assets, such as a property.
Because executors are personally responsible for carrying out these duties properly, disputes can arise if there are disagreements about how the estate is being managed. This includes disputes between co-executors, as well as disputes between executors and beneficiaries.
What happens when an executor dispute arises?
Up to four executors can act jointly under a will. While this can help share responsibility, it can also lead to disagreements between co-executors.
Disputes may also arise between executors and beneficiaries, particularly where there are concerns about:
- delays in administering the estate
- lack of communication or transparency
- decisions about selling property or other assets
- disagreements over the interpretation of the will
- concerns about the misuse of estate funds
If an executor dispute arises, it is important to seek advice from solicitors who specialise in contentious probate law.
Can an executor be removed from office?
In appropriate cases, it is possible to apply to the court to remove an executor or substitute a replacement executor, and our article on removing an executor contains lots of helpful information on this topic.
If an application to remove an executor is contested, legal costs can rise sharply, so it is important to ensure that the legal position is thoroughly considered before embarking on this course of action.
The courts can also be asked to make an order requiring an executor to account for their actions
Obtaining specialist legal advice
If you are acting as an executor and a dispute has arisen, then you may benefit from taking early legal advice from a specialist inheritance dispute solicitor. This will help you to:
- understand your responsibilities
- avoid personal financial liability
- respond appropriately to any challenges from beneficiaries
- resolve any disagreements with co-executors
Similarly, if you are a beneficiary and feel that an executor is acting in bad faith or failing to cooperate, then early legal advice can be highly valuable.
Helpful information on dealing with executor disputes
We are experienced in dealing with executor disputes and have published many useful articles on this website, including:
- What it costs to remove an executor
- Alternatives to removing an executor
- Can an executor become personally liable?
- Do trustees have a duty to disclose trust documents?
How we can help
If you are looking for solicitors specialising in executor disputes in Bristol, then contact us for a free consultation about your options and how legal costs can be funded.