Contesting a will

When a loved one dies, the last thing anyone wants is to fall out over their estate. Unfortunately, in some cases, this cannot be avoided, even if a will is in place.

The whole process of disputing a will can be very time consuming and emotionally difficult. This is the same whether you are contesting a will, or find yourself on the receiving end of a claim. 

Our contentious probate specialists help you understand more about the grounds for contesting a will, inheritance act claims or trust disputes.

Every contentious probate matter is unique and requires bespoke advice. Our specialist team of inheritance dispute solicitors works alongside you to challenge a will. They will guide you through this highly complicated area.

Our solicitors will fight your case in the courts where appropriate. However, we are also committed to the constructive resolution of disputes by mediation or negotiation wherever possible.

Here are a few examples of disputes that we deal with:

  • Who pays the legal costs following a will dispute?
  • Are you worried that a loved one was influenced by someone else when they wrote their will? Does this undue influence make the will invalid?

  • Do you think a loved one lacked mental capacity at the time of writing their will? Does this mean their will is not valid?

  • Do you have a claim for financial provision from an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975?

  • Do you believe that a loved one’s estate has been depleted by financial abuse during the deceased’s lifetime?

  • Is there a dispute between executors or between executors and beneficiaries?

  • Has a will been lost or does it contain errors?

  • Are there arguments about what’s been left to you in someone’s will, a trust or inheritance?
  • can you dispute a will or the inheritance you receive?

To find out if your case is worth taking forward, call Amanda Smallcombe on 01206 217395. Amanda is head of our team of inheritance dispute solicitors and advises on problems following a bereavement. Our solicitors are able to assist throughout Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford.

BBC's Inside Out East

The team is led by Amanda Smallcombe. Amanda is one of a select group of members of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). Amanda has appeared on BBC's Inside Out programme and been interviewed by the Guardian newspaper talking about inheritance disputes.

We may be able to offer an initial meeting and note of our advice at a fixed fee. Alternatively, we may be able to take certain cases on a no win no fee arrangement. This depends upon the circumstances of your case.

Staff re-order for problems following a bereavement

  • Amanda Smallcombe
  • Jenny Bruce
  • Adrian Livesley

The Legal 500 - The Clients Guide to Law Firms

When a loved one dies, the last thing anyone wants is to fall out over their estate. Unfortunately, in some cases, this cannot be avoided, even if a will is in place.

The whole process of disputing a will can be very time consuming and emotionally difficult. This is the same whether you are contesting a will, or find yourself on the receiving end of a claim. 

Our contentious probate specialists help you understand more about the grounds for contesting a will, inheritance act claims or trust disputes.

Every contentious probate matter is unique and requires bespoke advice. Our specialist team of inheritance dispute solicitors works alongside you to challenge a will. They will guide you through this highly complicated area.

Our solicitors will fight your case in the courts where appropriate. However, we are also committed to the constructive resolution of disputes by mediation or negotiation wherever possible.

Here are a few examples of disputes that we deal with:

  • Who pays the legal costs following a will dispute?
  • Are you worried that a loved one was influenced by someone else when they wrote their will? Does this undue influence make the will invalid?

  • Do you think a loved one lacked mental capacity at the time of writing their will? Does this mean their will is not valid?

  • Do you have a claim for financial provision from an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975?

  • Do you believe that a loved one’s estate has been depleted by financial abuse during the deceased’s lifetime?

  • Is there a dispute between executors or between executors and beneficiaries?

  • Has a will been lost or does it contain errors?

  • Are there arguments about what’s been left to you in someone’s will, a trust or inheritance?
  • can you dispute a will or the inheritance you receive?

To find out if your case is worth taking forward, call Amanda Smallcombe on 01206 217395. Amanda is head of our team of inheritance dispute solicitors and advises on problems following a bereavement. Our solicitors are able to assist throughout Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford.