Can I Contest a Will?

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contest a will

Being left out of a loved one’s will can be devastating. Whether it’s a parent, partner, or close relative, discovering you’ve been excluded — or unfairly treated — can cause both emotional and financial stress. The good news is that, in the UK, you may still have legal grounds to contest a will, even if it has already gone through probate.

At Contest A Will Today, we understand how painful and confusing this situation can be. Since 1999, our team has helped thousands of families resolve will disputes quickly, sensitively, and successfully — often on a No Win No Fee basis.

Understanding Your Right to Contest a Will

You can contest a will if you believe it doesn’t reflect the true wishes of the person who passed away, or if you’ve been unfairly left out. Under UK law, there are several valid reasons to challenge a will, including:

• Lack of mental capacity: The person may not have fully understood what they were signing.

• Undue influence or pressure: Someone may have coerced or manipulated them into changing their will.

• Fraud or forgery: The will itself may not be genuine.

• Improper execution: Legal formalities — such as correct witnessing — may not have been followed.

• Financial dependency: If you relied financially on the deceased, you may have a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

If any of these circumstances sound familiar, you have nothing to worry about. You could have the right to contest a will and seek a fair resolution.

Can I Contest a Will After Probate Has Been Granted?

Yes — you can still contest a will after probate has been granted. While it’s best to act as soon as possible, the law allows claims to be made even after the estate has started being distributed. Therefore, the key is to seek legal advice quickly to pause the probate process where possible and protect your potential inheritance rights.

The best part is that our specialists can help you gather evidence, review the will’s validity, and assess your eligibility to make a claim. We’ll guide you through every step, from identifying your legal grounds to negotiating with other beneficiaries.

How Likely Is Success?

Each case is unique, but contentious probate success rates in the UK are higher when professional legal experts handle the claim early. Courts look carefully at the evidence — such as medical records, witness statements, and financial documents — before making a decision.

With over two decades of experience, Contest A Will Today has built a reputation for clarity, compassion, and results. Our No Win No Fee approach means you won’t face financial risk when pursuing your claim.

Why Choose Contest A Will Today

• Trusted UK legal brand since 1999

• Specialists in will disputes and contentious probate

• No Win No Fee, fully confidential service

• Proven track record of successful outcomes

• Friendly, professional support throughout your case

We know this isn’t just about money — it’s about fairness, family, and peace of mind. Our aim is to reduce your stress, handle the legal complexities for you, and secure the inheritance you deserve.

We Are Right Here With You

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I contest a will?” — the answer is yes, you might be able to. The sooner you get professional advice, the better your chances of protecting your rights.

Contact Contest A Will Today for a confidential chat. Our expert solicitors are ready to listen, advise, and guide you every step of the way — with no upfront costs.

Being left out of a will doesn’t mean you’re alone — we’re here to help.

FAQs

– How long do I have to contest a will in the UK?

In most cases, you have six months from the date probate is granted to contest a will under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. However, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Acting early gives your solicitor time to review the will, gather evidence, and prevent the estate from being distributed. If you miss the deadline, a claim may still be possible in exceptional cases — but the sooner you act, the stronger your position.

– What are the chances of successfully contesting a will?

Success depends on the strength of your evidence and the grounds for your claim. Common reasons include lack of mental capacity, undue influence, or fraud.
While every case is unique, contentious probate success rates in the UK tend to be higher when handled by specialist solicitors with experience in inheritance law. At Contest A Will Today, we assess each case carefully and only take on claims we genuinely believe can succeed.

– Can I contest a will without a solicitor?

You technically can, but it’s not recommended. Will disputes involve complex legal rules, deadlines, and sensitive family dynamics. A solicitor specialising in contentious probate can handle the paperwork, communicate with executors, and represent your interests — often on a No Win No Fee basis. Having professional guidance ensures your claim is filed correctly and gives you the best possible chance of a fair outcome.

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For a free initial conversation call

0800 29 800 29

Frequently asked questions.

Can A Will Be Contested?

Yes, a will can be contested if there are valid legal grounds to challenge its validity.

There are several types of trusts used in estate planning, each serving a different purpose depending on your goals.

  • Breach of Trust: Mismanagement of assets by the trustee.

  • Trustee Removal: Conflicts leading to the removal of a trustee.

  • Interpretation: Disagreements over the trust’s legal wording.

  • Undue Influence: Pressure on the creator to change trust terms.

  • Financial Claims: Beneficiaries claiming they haven’t received their fair share.

Contesting a Will:

  • This specifically refers to challenging the validity of the will itself.

  • Common grounds include claims that the deceased lacked mental capacity, the will was forged, or they were under “undue influence” when signing it.

Contentious Probate:

  • This is a broader term that covers any dispute arising after someone’s death during the administration of the estate.

No, you do not always have to go to court. Most probate disputes are resolved through:

  • Mediation: A professional mediator helps both sides reach an agreement without a judge.

  • Negotiation: Solicitors from both sides negotiate a fair settlement privately.

  • Settlement Agreements: A legal contract is signed to end the dispute outside of court.

  • Court as a Last Resort: Litigation is only used if all other attempts to settle fail.

 

 

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