News & Articles Written By Expert Lawyers

  • Inheriting a property with someone living in it
    What is the legal position when inheriting a property with someone living in it? A question that our contentious probate team gets asked on a regular basis is, "What…
  • Gifts by an attorney
    Can an attorney make a gift? Jack Dray examines the question, "Can an attorney make a gift?" The general rule regarding attorneys (and deputies) is that they should not…
  • What is the time limit for making an inheritance claim?
    It is vitally important to be aware of the time limit for making an inheritance claim. This is what you should know. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants)…
  • How successful are Inheritance Act claims?
    We are often asked, 'How successful are Inheritance Act claims?' When people mention the Inheritance Act they are actually referring to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act)…
  • What is a caveat?
    In this short article we address the frequently asked question, 'What is a caveat' in relation to an inheritance dispute? You will see lots of references on this website…
  • What is estoppel?
    What is proprietary estoppel? Estoppel is a legal doctrine that people often need to rely on to enforce their rights. But what is estoppel? And more particularly, what is…
  • Can a beneficiary challenge a solicitor’s costs?
    Is a beneficiary entitled to challenge a solicitor's costs of administering an estate? Can a beneficiary challenge a solicitor's costs incurred in relation to the work they have undertaken…
  • 95% success rate
    Our inheritance dispute lawyers have a 95% success rate at mediation During 2023 our inheritance disputes team dealt with 20 formal mediations. 19 of those mediations were successful, giving…
  • Inheritance Act claims made by a husband or wife
    Inheritance Act claims made by a husband or wife against their spouse's estate Contentious probate lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at Inheritance Act claims made by a husband or wife…
  • Gay inheritance law in Hong Kong
    Developments in gay inheritance law in Hong Kong Contentious probate solicitor and partner, Chris Holten, provides an update on the latest developments in gay inheritance law in Hong Kong.…
  • Removing an executor
    Removing an executor from office Contentious probate lawyer Naomi Ireson looks at the legal options available for removing an executor. While the vast majority of executors deal with their…
  • Alternatives to removing an executor
    What are the alternatives to removing an executor? Legal 500 recommended contentious probate lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at the alternatives to removing an executor We are often contacted by…
  • Can I sue an executor?
    In what circumstances can I sue an executor? In this article we take a look at a question that is frequently raised with our inheritance dispute team, "Can I…
  • Making an inheritance claim against your partner’s estate
    Can I make an inheritance claim against my partner's estate where there is no Will? Contentious probate solicitor, Jack Dray, looks at the rights cohabitees have under the Inheritance…
  • The ‘simply perfect’ inheritance dispute lawyer
    Inheritance dispute lawyer Naomi Ireson receives glowing tribute in prestigious legal guide Naomi Ireson is a 'simply perfect' inheritance dispute lawyer according to a testimonial published in the 2024…
  • Ranked among the best contentious probate solicitors
    We are proud to have been ranked among the best contentious probate solicitors in the UK Legal 500 recommended contentious probate solicitors. The 2024 edition of The Legal 500…
  • Inheritance Law In Scotland and England & Wales
    The differences between inheritance law in Scotland and inheritance law in England and Wales David Lees, an English qualified inheritance dispute solicitor who hails from Scotland, looks at the…
  • My husband has left me out of his will
    What can I do if my husband has left me out of his Will? A common question our team get asked is, "My husband has left me out of…
  • What is the time limit for making an Inheritance Act…
    Contentious probate solicitor Jack Dray looks at the time limit for making an Inheritance Act claim? Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 should be…
  • Mismanagement of an estate
    What can you do about the mismanagement of an estate? Executors and administrators owe a duty to beneficiaries to ensure that an estate is properly administered in accordance with…
  • What you can do if you have not been paid…
    If you have not been paid your legacy, what can you do? If you are due money under a Will you expect to be paid. So, what can you…
  • How to remove a caveat
    A quick guide on how to remove a caveat We take a quick look at the steps you can take to remove a caveat that has been issued against…
  • Inheritance claims solicitors
    We specialise in inheritance claims nationwide We have one of the largest teams of lawyers dealing exclusively with inheritance claims in England and Wales. By choosing specialist inheritance lawyers…
  • When does someone automatically inherit?
    When a loved one dies, will I automatically inherit? The law provides for people to automatically inherit in specific situations. Automatic inheritance occurs under the principle of survivorship and…
  • Uncooperative executors
    What can be done about uncooperative executors? We deal with inheritance disputes involving uncooperative, incompetent or hostile executors nationally. Our large team of specialist contentious probate lawyers which is…
  • Our team of inheritance dispute solicitors and lawyers
    Meet our team of inheritance dispute solicitors and lawyers We have one of the largest teams of inheritance dispute solicitors and lawyers in England and Wales. Our team specialise…
  • What is the Inheritance Act?
    Contested probate lawyer Naomi Ireson answers the popular question, 'What is the Inheritance Act?' The Inheritance Act When someone asks, 'What is the Inheritance Act?', what they are actually…
  • What is an inheritance dispute?
    Contested probate solicitor Chris Holten answers the question, 'What is an inheritance dispute?' 'What is an inheritance dispute?' In simple terms an inheritance dispute arises when the estate of…
  • The tax implications of a will dispute
    What are the tax implications of a will dispute? We specialise in inheritance disputes, representing clients nationwide and overseas. For a free case assessment call our free helpline on…
  • Can I defend a Will challenge?
    Defending a Will challenge If you require expert assistance with defending a challenge to a Will then call our free helpline on 0333 888 0407 or email us. Our…
  • Defending an inheritance dispute
    Defending an inheritance dispute: Dealing with Inheritance Act claims, invalid Will challenges and other contested probate disputes If you are looking for specialist solicitors to help you with defending…
  • Can I dispute a Will?
    In what circumstances can I dispute a Will? If you require expert assistance with disputing a Will then call our free helpline on 0333 888 0407 or email us.…
  • Written out of a Will?
    What are your options when you have been written out of a Will? We specialise in Will disputes, representing clients nationwide. To find out where you stand contact our…
  • Disputes between beneficiaries
    When disputes between beneficiaries arise, what are your legal options? When dealing with disputes between beneficiaries we must first consider whether your are one of the beneficiaries involved in…
  • Specialist inheritance claim solicitors
    We are specialist inheritance claim solicitors Inheritance law is complex. That is why it is important to appoint inheritance claim solicitors who are recognised experts in the field. We…
  • Executor dispute
    We have successfully resolved an executor dispute by having our client appointed as a joint executor This executor dispute case involved two primary legal issues: A dispute about who…
  • What is a ‘Put Up or Shut Up’ order?
    There has been a lot of talk about so called 'Put Up or Shut Up' orders, but what is a 'Put Up or Shut Up' order?' What is a…
  • TOLATA and will disputes
    TOLATA and will disputes: an overview of the law We offer a variety of funding options, including No Win – No Fee. Contact us for free initial guidance on…
  • Promised an inheritance
    What can you do if you were promised an inheritance but that promise has not been honoured? Can I make an inheritance claim where someone has gone back on their…
  • The cost of making an inheritance claim
     What does it cost to make an inheritance claim? We specialise in dealing with inheritance disputes nationwide. We offer a variety of funding options, including No Win – No…
  • How do you resolve an inheritance conflict?
    How do you resolve an inheritance conflict Inheritance conflicts can be resolved through a variety of means including negotiation, without prejudice discussions and forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, such…
  • Inheritance claims
    Making an inheritance claim Contact us for free guidance on making an inheritance claim. We offer a free case assessment service and no win, no fee funding. Call 0333 888…
  • Unfairly left out of a will
    Have you been unfairly left out of a will? If  you have been unfairly left out of a will then contact our specialist lawyers for free guidance on what…
  • The grounds for challenging a will
    What are the grounds for challenging a will? Our specialist lawyers can help you with challenging a will. For a free assessment of your case, contact our free legal helpline…
  • Disinherited children and will disputes
    Can disinherited children dispute a will?   If you have been disinherited by your parents and would like to know where you stand then simply contact us by calling our…
  • Can a delusion make a will invalid?
    Can a delusion make a will invalid and how do you prove that the testator was deluded? Do you have an issue with a will that was made by…
  • Devon ACTAPS solicitor
    Looking for a Devon ACTAPS solicitor? Slee Blackwell's Hayley Bundey could be the answer If you need an experienced Devon ACTAPS solicitor then contact Hayley Bundey on 0333 888 0407…
  • Inheritance claim defence
    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…
  • Inheritance disputes and DNA tests
    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 I buy out another beneficiary?
    Can I buy out a beneficiary who has inherited a property with me? For further guidance on whether you can buy out a beneficiary contact our free legal helpline…
  • How grief can make a will invalid
    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…
  • Will disputes: Can I represent myself?
    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…
  • Fraudulent calumny
    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
    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…
  • Stepparents and inheritance
    Disputes involving children and their stepparents who automatically inherit Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a common problem facing adult children when their family home automatically passes to a…
  • Trust dispute and the rule against self-dealing
    Trust dispute: Can a trustee transfer trust assets to themselves and what is the rule against self-dealing? If you are looking for experienced trust dispute solicitors call our free…
  • Can my husband leave me out of his will?
    What are your options if your husband leaves you out of his will? We specialise in inheritance disputes, dealing with cases nationwide. If you have been left wondering, "Can…
  • What does it cost to contest a will in the…
    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 of challenging a will?
    Who pays the legal costs when a will is challenged in the UK? We look at the important question of who pays the legal costs of challenging a will.…
  • Inheritance rights of IVF children
    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…
  • Can an executor be removed before probate?
    A question that regularly crops up on our free legal helpline is whether an executor can be removed before probate has been granted?' In this article we deal with the…
  • Famous Wills: JRR Tolkien
    The will of JRR Tolkien dated 23 July 1973 The first in a series of articles on the wills of famous people. In this piece we look at the…
  • Track record of success
    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…
  • Who inherits when two people die at the same time?
    How does the law determine who inherits when two people die at the same time? The question off who inherits when two people die at the same time made…
  • How can I find out if probate has been granted?
    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…
  • Coerced into making a will
    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…
  • Inheritance disputes blamed on DIY wills
    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…
  • How to contest a fake will
    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…
  • What are your rights if your name is not on…
    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…
  • Is there a time limit for challenging a will?
    Time limit for challenging a will If you are making an Inheritance Act claim or contesting the validity of a will then you need to consider the time limit…
  • Will preparation mistakes
    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 trusts and executors disputes
    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 0333…
  • Can I make a claim against someone for going back…
    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…
  • What if you inherit a house someone is living in?
    What can you do if the house you've inherited has someone living in it? Contentious probate lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a question that is often asked by beneficiaries, 'What…
  • Can I claim on my ex husband’s estate?
    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…
  • What can an executor do when a will is challenged?
    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: Is my children’s inheritance at risk?
    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…
  • How to make a claim on an estate
    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 0333 888 0407 or…
  • How to find a will
    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…
  • How to claim inheritance money
    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…
  • What’s my inheritance claim worth?
    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…
  • How to contest a will in England and Wales
    Contesting a will If you require further guidance on how to contest a will in England call our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0407 or send us an…
  • How do I claim my inheritance?
    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,…
  • How to get a copy of a will
    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…
  • Can I contest my father’s will?
    Contesting your father’s will We are often asked, 'Can I contest my father’s will?' The simple answer is, 'yes'. A son or daughter is entirely free to contest their…
  • How to challenge your husband’s will
    Can I challenge my husband’s will? Contentious probate lawyer Naomi Ireson answers the question, 'Can I challenge my husband’s will?'  Many married couples make what are known as ‘mirror…
  • Claiming ownership of property based on a promise
    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…
  • Intestacy rules UK: The common tragedy clause
    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 to enter a caveat
    How you can enter a caveat If you are looking for experienced solicitors to help you with your inheritance dispute then call our helpline on 0808 139 1599 or…
  • How to defend a challenge to a will
    Defending a challenge to a will For further guidance on how to defend a challenge to a will call our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0407 or send…
  • Is a child entitled to inherit something from their parents’…
    Children's inheritance rights: Is a child entitled to inherit from their parents? We are frequently asked, 'Is a child entitled to inherit something from their parents' estate?' In this…
  • Can I contest a will?
    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…
  • What can I do if I have been cut out…
    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…
  • Defending a will
    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: The importance of witness evidence
    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…
  • Making gifts under a Power of Attorney
    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…
  • Do trustees have a duty to disclose trust documents to…
    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…
  • Executors charges: Can they be disputed?
    Can executors charges be disputed? What is the position when executors charges are not agreed? This issue was considered in Mussell v Patience. In this case the executors sought…
  • Disputing a homemade Will
    The legal implications of disputing a homemade will Homemade DIY wills are well known for creating legal confusion. In this article we look at the risks of homemade wills…
  • Inheritance Act claim won by cohabitee
    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…
  • Proprietary estoppel claim
    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.…
  • My partner has died, what are my inheritance rights?
    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…
  • Inheritance disputes and broken promises
    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…
  • Man wins Inheritance Act claim against partner’s estate
    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…
  • Will declared invalid due to lack of testamentary capacity
    Lack of capacity invalidates will We specialise in dealing with invalid will cases, including invalidity due to lack of capacity - such as this real-life case study involving a…
  • Probate dispute mediation
    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…
  • Deathbed gifts
    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…
  • Does alcoholism invalidate a Will?
    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 0333 888 0407 or…
  • The Playboy estate
    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…
  • Why you should not delay in making an inheritance claim
    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…
  • How to remove or replace an executor by issuing a…
    How to remove an executor by issuing a citation For expert guidance on removing an executor or issuing a citation call our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0407…
  • Nikah, Muslim marriage and inheritance dispute claims
    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…
  • Brothers in dispute over Audrey Hepburn’s handwritten Will
    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…
  • Inheritance disputes set to soar as levels of inherited wealth…
    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…
  • Court rules on witnesses signing a Will
    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
    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…
  • Six top tips for a successful 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 to get the…
  • The future of Inheritance Act claims by adult children to…
    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…
  • Son Wins Claim For Family Farm Promised To Him By…
    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.…
  • Increase in number of children making inheritance claims
    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…
  • Personal representative ordered to pay legal costs of £88,000
    Is an executor liable for costs? People often ask, "Is an executor liable for costs?" Here is a short case giving details of the circumstances where an executor was…
  • What happens if my partner dies and the house is…
    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 win in Court of Appeal
    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…
  • Broken Promises: The doctrine of proprietary estoppel and common law…
    The rights of a common law wife or husband If you are a common law wife or husband who has suffered financial loss as a result of a broken promise…
  • Solicitors to pay legal costs for estate accounts delay
    Estate accounts delay 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…
  • Court of Protection deputy dispute
    People frequently contact us about Court of Protection deputy disputes. This short summary will help explain what they can involve What is a Court of Protection deputy? A deputy…
  • Is my will valid if I have dementia or Alzheimers?
    With an ageing population we are frequently asked, 'Is my will valid if I have dementia or Alzheimers?' We deal on a day-to-day basis with enquiries on behalf of people…
  • Daughter Claims Beneficial Interest in Parents’ Farm
    Proprietary estoppel claims: Detriment and expectation We specialise in proprietary estoppel claims nationwide and were successful in the Ely v Robson Court of Appeal estoppel claim. If you require legal…
  • Wealthy Widow Makes Inheritance Claim for Secret Assets
    Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, reviews a case where a wealthy widow has made an inheritance claim for secret assets A widow's inheritance claim against the estate of a high…
  • Probate claim against partner’s estate
    Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at a case which involved an unmarried dependant woman making a successful probate claim against her late partner's estate. Wright-Gordon v Legister is one…
  • Banks -v- Goodfellow confirmed as THE test for testamentary capacity
    The appropriate test for testamentary capacity in a will dispute The High Court has confirmed that the correct test for determining testamentary capacity is that which is set out…
  • Constructive trust and proprietary estoppel claims
    Constructive trust and estoppel disputes We specialise in constructive trust and estoppel claims. The law distinguishes between the legal owner of a property and the beneficial owner. While the…
  • Assessing the value of Inheritance Act Claims by adult children
    Inheritance Act claims by adult children Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, who regularly represents claimants and defendants in claims by adult children made under the Inheritance Act, looks at an…
  • Do the Intestacy and Inheritance Act Reforms Go Far Enough?
    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)…
  • The Dangers of Refusing to Mediate
    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…
  • Discretionary trust claim succeeds
    Discretionary trust claim victory This is a case summary of a discretionary trust claim that we won on behalf of our client. If you find yourself in a similar…
  • Can a beneficiary sue a solicitor for negligence?
    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…
  • Heir Hunters
    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…
  • Some Basic Principles of Inheritance Tax (IHT) Law
    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 difference between Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills
    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 claim against an intestate estate
    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…
  • The inheritance rights of married and unmarried couples
    For guidance on your inheritance rights contact our free legal helpline.
  • When Religious Tradition Meets 21st Century Legal Principles
    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 can be enforceable
    Inheritance promises can be enforceable Inheritance promises made to friends and family can be relied on. To find out where you stand contact our free legal helpline. The case…
  • The inheritance rights of adopted children
    What are the inheritance rights of adopted children? For guidance on the inheritance rights of adopted children contact our free legal helpline by phone or email. Are you adopted…
  • Mistake and rectification of wills
    It’s a common misconception that a Will cannot be changed after a testator has died In this article we take a look at mistake and rectification of Wills. Irish-born…
  • Caveats, Warnings and Appearances
    A guide to Caveats, Warnings and Appearances in inheritance disputes Caveats A caveat is a procedure that is used to prevent a grant of probate from being issued in…
  • Inheritance Rights for Same Sex Couples
    An overview of inheritance rights for same sex couples We specialise in inheritance claims and are particularly experienced in dealing with cases on behalf of the LGBT community, representing…
  • Inheritance rights of step children
    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…
  • Parents & grandparents giving billions to family
    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…
  • Adult Child Wins Her Inheritance Act Claim Appeal
    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…
  • Mutual Wills: A brief overview of the technical requirements
    What is a mutual Will? The courts have recently revisited the often controversial and misunderstood area of mutual Wills. It would therefore seem an ideal time to review the…
  • It’s good to talk: Avoiding inheritance disputes
    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 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 and that Claimants are not…
  • At what point is mental capacity needed to make a…
    Mental capacity 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…
  • What is a Privileged Will?
    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. They are…
  • What is a Larke v Nugus statement?
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