When a person dies, their estate is administered and all of their assets are distributed to the beneficiaries in accordance with the deceased’s last Will. If the deceased did not leave a Will, the person is deemed to have died intestate and a legal formula is then used to dictate the distribution of the assets.
In most cases, the administration of estate is handled without any issues. However, there are occasions when legal disputes arise. When that happens, the process becomes contentious and requires specialist advice in the area of “contentious probate”.
Disputes can occur for a variety of reasons such as the belief that the Will is fraudulent or has been forged; that the testator lacked the required mental capacity to make will or the suspicion that the deceased made the Will while under “undue influence”.
In the guide below, we look further at the legal disputes that can arise if a person does not leave a Will after they die. If you have any questions about Contentious Probate please contact the BBS Contentious Probate Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Contentious Probate?
Contentious probate involves the legal process of disputes over the validity or administration of a deceased person’s estate. For contentious probate solicitors in London choose BBS Law for all of your needs from bringing a claim to financial provision guidance we’ve got you covered.
What Reasons Are There for Disputes in Probate Cases?
Inheritance disputes can arise for a variety of reasons such as concerns about the validity of the will, suspicions of undue influence, allegations of forgery or fraud and questions surrounding the deceased’s mental capacity during the creation of the will.
At BBS Law your expert trust dispute solicitors, we will help you through these difficult times no matter how difficult the circumstance.
How Can I Challenge a Will?
To challenge a will, you typically need to provide evidence supporting your claim, such as medical records, witness testimony or other documentation relevant to your dispute. As a private client of BBS Law our expert team will work around the clock to fight your corner leaving no stone unturned.
How Can I Prevent Inheritance Disputes in the Future?
Ensure your will is clear and transparent, where possible discuss with your family in advance, regularly review and update your estate documents to help minimise the risk of probate disputes after your passing. Sometimes people may feel aggrieved with what they receive. That’s why it’s important to have contentious probate solicitors on hand to solve issues.
Download Contentious Probate Guide
