Inheritance Dispute Solicitors

+ Disputes Over the Validity of a Will

A Will can be challenged if there are concerns about how it was made or whether it reflects the true wishes of the person who died. These disputes often come up when someone was in poor health, relied heavily on others, or made unexpected changes shortly before passing away.

You may be able to challenge a Will if there are signs that:

• The person lacked mental capacity when they made it
• They were pressured or influenced by someone else
• The Will was forged or altered without consent
• The signing and witnessing were not carried out properly

Our Will Dispute Solicitors in Burnley can help you assess whether a Will is legally valid and what steps can be taken if something isn’t right.

+ Inheritance Act Claims

If someone dies without leaving reasonable financial support for a partner, child or dependant, it may be possible to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

These claims can be made whether or not there is a valid Will. They are often brought by people who were financially dependent on the person who died or who expected to inherit but were left out.

To succeed with a claim, you must show that the Will or intestacy rules fail to make reasonable provision for your needs. The court will consider:

• Your relationship with the person who died
• Your financial situation and future needs
• The size of the estate
• Whether anyone else is making a claim

Strict time limits apply, so it is important to get advice as soon as possible. Our Inheritance Act Claims Solicitors in Burnley will help you understand whether you have a claim and what your next steps should be.

+ Disputes Between Beneficiaries

Disagreements between beneficiaries can happen for many reasons. Sometimes people don’t agree on how the estate should be divided or how certain items are valued. In other cases, one person may feel that another is taking more than their fair share or trying to influence the outcome.

These situations can become heated quickly, especially when emotions are high or family relationships are already under strain. We help clients deal with these issues calmly and sensibly, with clear advice and firm legal support when needed.

+ Concerns About Executors or Trustees

Executors and trustees are responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the terms of the Will. If they are not doing their job properly or are refusing to communicate, it can cause delays, mistrust and financial loss. You may be worried about:

• Assets not being distributed fairly
• A lack of transparency or financial updates
• Delays that are holding up the estate
• Someone using their position for personal gain

If needed, the court can step in and remove an executor. We also support executors who are facing unfair criticism or want legal advice on how to protect themselves. Whatever side you are on, our Inheritance Dispute Solicitors will explain your rights clearly and help you take the right steps.

+ Disputes When There Is No Will

If someone dies without a valid Will, their estate is shared out under the rules of intestacy. These rules are fixed and don’t take personal relationships into account. That means unmarried partners, stepchildren and others who were close to the person may not receive anything.

This can leave people feeling shocked, excluded or unsure of their rights. If you believe the rules don’t reflect what the person would have wanted, we can help you understand your position and what steps you may be able to take.

+ Disputes Over Lifetime Gifts and Promises

Some disputes arise because of things said or done before the person died. You may have been told you would inherit the family home. You may have worked in a business for little or no pay based on a promise that it would one day be yours. If that promise hasn’t been kept, you may still have a claim.

These cases often involve a legal principle called proprietary estoppel. To succeed, you usually need to show that a promise was made, that you relied on it, and that it would be unfair for the other person to go back on their word.

We can help you assess what was said, what evidence exists, and whether a legal claim is possible.

+ Who Can Contest A Will In The UK?

You may be able to contest a Will if you are a spouse, civil partner, child, stepchild, cohabiting partner, or someone who was financially dependent on the person who died. In some cases, even a close friend or carer can bring a claim if they have a legal interest or a genuine connection to the estate.

To contest a Will, you must also have valid legal grounds, such as concerns about how the Will was made or a belief that it fails to provide reasonable financial support. You don’t need to be named in the Will to challenge it, but you must be able to show that you’ve been affected by its terms.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our Will Dispute Lawyers in Burnley can help you understand your rights and explain what options may be available to you.

+ What Are The Grounds For Challenging A Will?

A Will can be challenged if there is reason to believe it’s legally invalid or that something went wrong during the process of making it. Common grounds include:

• The person lacked mental capacity when they signed the Will
• They were pressured or influenced by someone else
• The Will was forged or tampered with
• It was not signed or witnessed correctly
• A newer Will may exist that changes or cancels out the one being used

Each situation is different, and evidence is key. If you're concerned about the way a Will was prepared or the circumstances around it, our Inheritance Dispute Solicitors in Burnley can investigate your concerns and advise you on the strength of your position.

+ How Long Do I Have To Bring An Inheritance Act Claim?

Most Inheritance Act claims must be made within six months from the date that probate is granted. This is a strict legal time limit, and missing it can make it much harder, or sometimes impossible to bring a successful claim. In some rare cases, the court may allow a late application, but there must be a strong reason.

If you think you have a claim, it’s important to act quickly. We can help you check whether probate has been granted and advise on the safest way forward. Early advice from experienced Inheritance Claims Solicitors can make a real difference to the outcome.

+ Can I Make A Claim If There Is No Will?

Yes, it’s possible to bring a claim even if the person died without making a Will. In these cases, their estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which don’t always reflect modern families or personal relationships. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and dependants are often left out completely.

If you were financially dependent on the person who died, or had a close relationship that wasn’t legally recognised, you may still be entitled to claim financial provision from the estate. Our Inheritance Dispute Lawyers can explain whether the law applies to your situation and help you take action if needed.

+ What Happens If The Estate Has Already Been Distributed?

If the estate has already been distributed, it may still be possible to bring a claim, but things can become more complicated. In some cases, the court can order that money or property be returned, especially if the recipients were warned that a claim might be made. However, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to recover assets.

That’s why it’s important to seek advice as early as possible. If you believe you have a claim, our Estate Dispute Solicitors can assess your position and take steps to protect your rights before any further distribution takes place.

+ Can I Defend A Will If Someone Else Is Contesting It?

Yes. If you’re named in a Will or acting as an executor, you have the right to defend it if someone else tries to challenge its validity or claim a share of the estate. It’s your role to protect the estate and carry out the wishes of the person who died and you don’t have to deal with that pressure alone.

We regularly support clients who are defending a Will against unfair or unfounded claims. Our Contentious Probate Solicitors will help you understand the legal grounds for the challenge, respond clearly and confidently, and act to protect your role and responsibilities.

+ Does An Inheritance Act Claim Delay Probate?

Yes, an Inheritance Act claim can delay the probate process, especially if it is made before the estate has been distributed. In many cases, a caveat can be entered to stop probate from being finalised while the dispute is being investigated. This gives both sides time to resolve the issue, whether through negotiation or legal proceedings.

Our Inheritance Dispute Solicitors can advise you on whether to take steps to pause the probate process, and what impact that may have on timelines for everyone involved.

+ Can An Executor Be Removed If They Are Not Doing Their Job?

Yes, the court has the power to remove an executor if they are not carrying out their duties properly. This may include situations where the executor is causing unnecessary delays, failing to communicate with beneficiaries, or acting in their own interests rather than the estate’s.

Whether you are concerned about someone else’s conduct or need advice as an executor who is facing criticism, we can help. Our Inheritance Dispute Legal Advice team will explain your options and, if necessary, apply to the court for removal or substitution.

+ What Is Contentious Probate?

Contentious probate refers to any dispute about how a person’s estate is handled after their death. This could involve disagreements over the validity of the Will, the way the estate is being managed, or claims for financial provision from people who feel they’ve been unfairly treated.

These disputes can affect executors, beneficiaries and family members alike. Our Contentious Probate Solicitors help clients resolve these issues through early negotiation where possible, or formal legal action if necessary.

+ Can A Verbal Promise Be Legally Enforced After Someone Dies?

In some cases, yes. If someone promised to leave you property or inheritance and you relied on that promise to your detriment for example, by working for free, caring for them, or turning down other opportunities, the court may be able to enforce that promise using a legal principle called proprietary estoppel.

These cases can be sensitive and complex, especially when no Will exists or the written Will tells a different story. Our Inheritance Dispute Lawyers will look at what was said, what evidence exists, and whether a legal claim may be possible.