The best contentious probate solicitors UK offer their clients not only outstanding legal advice but also a human touch. At Simper Law, we pride ourselves on getting to know our clients and providing a uniquely personal service to each and every one. We understand how traumatic probate disputes can be, and we will guide and support you every step of the way.
Please call us now on 01603 672222 for a no-obligation conversation today or Click Here To Make An Online Enquiry.
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What Does ‘Contentious Probate’ Mean?
Contentious probate is the term given to any legal dispute that arises from the administration of an estate. The types of contentious probate disputes that can arise are wide and varied and include the following:
• Claims Regarding The Validity Of The Will.
To be valid, a Will must meet various strict legal criteria. For example, the person who made the Will, known as the ‘testator’, must have been of sound mind at the time and must have made the Will of their own accord.
If a Will does not satisfy all of the legal requirements, it may be invalid. In these cases, the deceased person’s estate may be distributed in accordance with any earlier Will they made or the Rules of Intestacy.
• Inheritance Act Claims
If the testator failed to make ‘reasonable financial provision’ for you in their Will, you may be eligible to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents Act) 1975.
Only specific people can bring a claim under the Inheritance Act. They include the deceased person’s spouse, their children, and anyone else who was financially dependent on the deceased. Unless you were married to the deceased or in a civil partnership with them, you must prove that you need assistance from the estate to meet your basic financial needs, such as housing. If you were able to meet those needs independently of the deceased when they were alive, any claim you make under the Inheritance Act will likely fail.
• Claims Regarding The Management Of The Estate.
Those tasked with administering an estate are known as executors if the deceased left a Will or administrators if they did not. Executors and administrators have various legal duties, including to act with reasonable care and skill. If they breach their duties, anyone who suffers loss as a result may be able to bring a legal claim against them, and the executor or administrator may need to make good those losses from their own pocket.
• ‘Proprietary Estoppel’ Claims
‘Proprietary estoppel’ in contentious probate matters arises when the deceased made a promise to someone during their lifetime, which that person acted on to their detriment.
Say, for example, someone worked for the deceased person for free in reliance on the deceased’s promise that they would inherit a share in their business. If the deceased person subsequently reneged on that promise in their Will, the Court may intervene and change the distribution of the estate.
What do the best contentious probate solicitors UK offer?
At Simper Law, we believe our clients deserve the very best contentious probate solicitors to assist them with their contentious probate issues. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide exceptional service at an affordable cost.
Just a few aspects of the service we provide include the following:
• Outstanding Legal Expertise.
Our contentious probate solicitors are specialists in this complex legal area. Our Head of Department is an accredited member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors (ACTAPS), and our team has decades of experience in all types of contentious probate matters.
• Exceptional Client Care.
Our client’s best interests are at the heart of our practice. We build long-lasting relationships with many of our clients, who frequently comment on the ‘friendly and welcoming’ demeanour of our ‘amazing’ solicitors. We will keep you informed about the progress of your matter and will be on hand to answer any queries or concerns you may have.
• Excellent Value For Money.
We are dedicated to providing outstanding legal advice and support at affordable rates.
We charge for most matters on an hourly rate, and your legal fees will depend on the nature and complexity of your case and how long it takes us to resolve it. Our rates are highly competitive, and our expertise in the field enables us to pre-empt and address any issues swiftly and effectively.
We will discuss your funding options when we first meet with you and help you to identify one that works for you. We will update you on costs as your matter progresses, with regular quotes and breakdowns.
Please call us now on 01603 672222 for a no-obligation conversation today or Click Here To Make An Online Enquiry.
“Excellent explanation of scenarios and Nakita was always happy to answer any questions.”
