Contested Probate

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. If there is also a dispute over their Will or estate, this can make it even harder.

We understand how difficult it can be when the terms of the Will are not as expected, or there are disagreements between those inheriting and those in charge of administering the estate or looking after the various assets.

Wills and probate are confusing terms but we can give you all the information you need as an executor to an estate, with legal advice on where to start, what to do next and more importantly how to steer clear of potential mistakes which cause delays.

Ormrods can help with:

• Contesting a Will – if there are issues with the Will itself
• Contentious probate – if there is a dispute over how the estate is administered
• Inheritance Act claims – if you have been left out of a Will or not left as much as you need
• Trust disputes – including the removal of a trustee
• Professional negligence – if a solicitor or Will writer has not drawn up the Will properly, or has given negligent advice
• Pre-death agreements - if someone promised you assets that aren't mentioned in their Will
• Challenging a lifetime gift - if there's a dispute over whether someone had the capacity to leave a lifetime gift before they died
• Financial abuse - if you suspect someone has taken wrongful control of a vulnerable person's finances
• Defending a contested Will - if you’re an executor or beneficiary facing a challenge to a Will
• Concerns over financial deputyship and statutory wills, when the deceased did not have the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

Disputes over a deceased person’s estate are unpleasant, but sadly they do happen. Large and complex estates can present even more challenges, and it’s vital you have proper legal advice.

We understand that this is a sensitive matter, often involving close family and loved ones. At every stage we’ll strive to make sure your claim goes as smoothly as possible, and reaches the best resolution.

Whether you are making or defending a dispute against a Will or estate, we can help.