Contentious Wills & Estates

Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a traumatic and distressing experience. We understand that issues arising from administration of an estate need sensitive handling.

Wills can be challenged in a number of ways, for example:-

• If a person did not have the necessary understanding to make a Will
• If a person who made a Will did not know what they were signing
• If a person who made a Will only did so as a result of pressure put upon them and you suspect that the Will does not truly reflect their wishes
• If a person had an obligation to maintain someone else (for example, a child) and did not make provision for that person in their Will
• If there is clearly a mistake in the Will that needs to be rectified

Even if a Will is accepted to be legally valid, disputes can arise while an estate is being administered. This can be for example:-

• Because there is not enough money to pay all of the gifts mentioned in the Will
• Because the beneficiaries of the Will do not think that the people carrying out the person’s wishes (called “Executors” or “Trustees”) are doing their job properly
• Because the person’s wishes are not clear from the Will

We can guide you through this difficult time and can advise you sympathetically as to the likelihood of claims succeeding or how best to resolve a dispute.