The Time Limit for Contesting a Will: How Long Do You Have to Contest a Will?

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The time limit for contesting a Will depends on the type of claim: for Inheritance Act 1975 claims (challenging “unfair” provision), you have a strict deadline of six months from the date the Grant of Probate is issued. For validity challenges (fraud, lack of capacity, or undue influence), there is no fixed statutory time limit, but the legal doctrine of “laches” allows courts to strike out claims if there is an unreasonable delay that prejudices the estate.

time limit for contesting a will

1. The Critical Six-Month Window: Inheritance Act Claims

For many, the realization that they have been left out of a Will, or provided for inadequately, comes only after the death of a loved one. If you intend to claim that the Will fails to make “reasonable financial provision” for you under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, the clock starts ticking the moment the Grant of Probate is issued.

In 2026, the courts are increasingly intolerant of missed deadlines. As validity specialists, we emphasize to “The Skeptic” that this six-month window is absolute. While the court has the discretion to allow “out-of-time” claims under Section 4 of the Act, they rarely do so without exceptional circumstances. Recent 2025 precedents, such as Bowerman v Bowerman, show that waiting even a few months too long can lead to a claim being barred by the court to protect the “finality” of the estate for other beneficiaries.

2. Validity Challenges: Why “No Time Limit” is a Myth

If you are challenging the validity of the Will itself (arguing it was never a legal document due to forgery or lack of capacity), you technically face no statutory deadline. However, as a specialist, I warn clients that the “No Time Limit” rule is a dangerous trap.

The longer you wait, the more likely the estate is to be distributed and spent. Once an executor has distributed the assets to beneficiaries, recovering that money is a logistical and legal nightmare. Furthermore, the doctrine of Laches acts as a “soft” time limit. If a court decides you sat on your rights for too long while the executors acted in good faith, they can dismiss your claim regardless of its merit. In 2026, with digital probate records making information more accessible, “I didn’t know” is becoming a harder argument to win.

3. The “Larke v Nugus” Delay Trap

One common reason for delay is waiting for the drafting solicitor to provide the Will file (the Larke v Nugus response). While it is essential to review these notes, you cannot let the six-month Inheritance Act deadline slip while waiting for a solicitor’s reply.

The strategic move is to issue the claim and then ask the court for a “stay” (a pause) to allow for evidence gathering. This protects your position. For validity claims, while you have more breathing room, waiting years for a file can lead to the “loss of evidence” defense, where the court rules that a fair trial is no longer possible because witnesses have passed away or memories have faded.

4. Protecting the Estate: The 6-Month Caveat

If you suspect a Will is invalid, your best defense is a Caveat. This prevents the Grant of Probate from being issued in the first place, effectively stopping the “six-month clock” for Inheritance Act claims from even starting.

A Caveat lasts for six months and can be renewed. For “The Skeptic,” this is the ultimate “holding pattern.” It prevents the executors from taking control of the assets, giving you the necessary time to conduct a forensic audit of the testator’s capacity or the circumstances of the Will’s execution without the fear of the estate being liquidated.

5. Exceptional Circumstances for Late Claims

If you have already missed the six-month deadline for an Inheritance Act claim, you must apply for the court’s permission to proceed. The court will consider:

  • The strength of the claim: Is it likely to succeed on its merits?
  • The reason for the delay: Was there a deliberate concealment of the estate’s value?
  • The state of distribution: Has the money already been spent by beneficiaries?

In 2026, the court’s priority is the “quiet enjoyment” of inheritance by beneficiaries. Unless you can prove you were actively misled or were physically/mentally unable to act, the door is likely to remain shut.

The Specialist’s Note: Check the Date of the Grant

Do not rely on the date of death. The six-month countdown for the Inheritance Act begins on the date the Grant of Probate is issued. In 2026, you can check this date online via the Find a Will service on GOV.UK. If the Grant was issued more than five months ago, you are in the “Danger Zone” and must seek immediate legal intervention.

Speed is a Legal Asset

In probate litigation, the law favors the diligent. Whether you are facing a strict six-month deadline or the vague threat of laches, the message is the same: act now. By the time you “feel ready” to challenge a Will, the assets you are fighting for may already be gone.

Are you running out of time? Download ‘The Capacity Evidence Checklist‘ to fast-track your investigation before the 6-month window closes.

FAQs

Q1: Can I contest a Will 10 years later?

For validity (fraud/forgery), it is technically possible, but practically very difficult due to the “Laches” doctrine and the likely disappearance of assets and witnesses. For Inheritance Act claims, a 10-year delay is almost certainly fatal to the case unless there was extreme fraud involved.

Q2: Does the 6-month limit apply if I’m a minor?

The six-month limit for Inheritance Act claims does apply to minors, though a “litigation friend” (usually a parent or guardian) must act on their behalf. If a guardian failed to act, the child may have a claim for professional negligence against the guardian or solicitor, but the estate claim itself may still be barred.

Q3: What if I didn’t know the person had died?

Lack of knowledge of the death can sometimes be used as a reason to ask the court for a late Inheritance Act claim. However, the court will look at whether you should have known or if the executors made reasonable efforts to find you. In the age of social media and digital records, “not knowing” is a high bar to prove.

Let’s Do This Together

Contesting a will could become an overwhelming experience if not accompanied by expert guidance and support. Our mission is to provide you with all the needed information, support, and authority to get through this journey, with only one goal in mind: Fairness.

To our team, this process is not about winning; it’s about claiming what was yours from the beginning.

Check our complete guide on the lack of mental capacity here. Let us know your story in the comments, and inspire others to walk the same path towards justice!

Get your free, no-obligation case assessment. Call 08002980029 or visit contestawilltoday.com

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Frequently asked questions.

Disputes over wills can arise in several circumstances, including:

  • Testamentary capacity: The person who made the will (known as the testator) must have had the mental capacity to understand what they were doing and the consequences of their actions. This means that they must have been able to understand the nature and extent of their property, the people they were giving their property to, and the people they were excluded from their will.

 

  • Valid execution: The will must have been executed correctly under the law. This means it must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two independent witnesses.

 

  • Undue influence: The testator must have made the will freely and without any pressure from others. The will may be invalid if someone was unduly influenced to make a will. Undue influence can occur when someone takes advantage of a testator’s vulnerability, such as if the testator is elderly, ill, or has a mental disability.

 

  • Fraud or forgery: If the will was forged or if someone fraudulently induced the testator to make the will, the will may be invalid.

 

Claims against a will must usually be made within six months of the grant of probate being issued. This is the legal document that gives the executor the authority to administer the estate. If a claim is not made within this time, it may be too late to challenge the will.

As such, executors often wait until this six-month period has expired before distributing the estate. This is to avoid having to distribute the estate and then having to take it back if a successful claim is made against the will.

Here are some examples of how these disputes can arise:

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that the testator did not have the mental capacity to make a will. For example, if the testator was suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at the time the will was made.
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A family member may dispute a will if they believe that it was not executed correctly. For example, if the will is not signed by the testator or if it is not witnessed by two independent witnesses.

 

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that they were unduly influenced to make the will. For example, if a caregiver or another family member pressured the testator to make the will in their favour.

 

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that it was forged or if someone fraudulently induced the testator to make the will. For example, if someone forged the testator’s signature on the will or if someone lied to the testator about the contents of the will.

If you are thinking about disputing a will, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.



Types of Trusts

Many different types of trusts can be set up, depending on your specific needs and goals. Some of the most common types of trusts include:
Bare Trusts: A bare trust is a simple type of trust in which the trustee holds the assets for the benefit of the beneficiary. The beneficiary is entitled to the income and capital of the trust as soon as they are old enough to receive them.

Interest in Possession Trusts: An interest in possession trust is a type of trust in which the beneficiary is entitled to the income from the trust immediately, but not to the capital until a later date. This type of trust is often used for minor beneficiaries or for beneficiaries who are not yet responsible enough to manage their own money.

Discretionary Trusts: A discretionary trust is a type of trust in which the trustee has the discretion to decide how and when to distribute the income and capital of the trust to the beneficiaries. This type of trust is often used for families with multiple beneficiaries or beneficiaries with special needs.

Accumulation Trusts: An accumulation trust is a type of trust in which the income from the trust is accumulated and not distributed to the beneficiaries until a later date. This type of trust is often used to save for a specific purpose, such as a child’s education or a retirement fund.

Mixed Trusts: A mixed trust is a type of trust that combines elements of different types of trusts. For example, a trust may be a discretionary trust for one beneficiary and an interest in possession trust for another beneficiary.

Settlor-Interested Trusts: A settlor-interested trust is a type of trust in which the settlor (the person who creates the trust) retains some interest in the trust assets. For example, the settlor may retain the right to receive income from the trust or to appoint the trustee.

Non-Resident Trusts: A non-resident trust is a type of trust that is created and governed by the laws of a country other than the country where the settlor or beneficiaries reside.
Which type of trust is right for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. It is important to consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss your options and choose the type of trust that is best for you.
Here are some examples of how different types of trusts can be used:
A bare trust can be used to hold assets for a minor child until they reach the age of majority.

An interest in possession trust can be used to provide income to a beneficiary who is not yet responsible enough to manage their own money.

A discretionary trust can be used to manage assets for a family with multiple beneficiaries or for beneficiaries with special needs.

An accumulation trust can be used to save for a specific purpose, such as a child’s education or a retirement fund.

A mixed trust can be used to achieve a variety of different goals, such as providing income to one beneficiary and preserving capital for another beneficiary.

A settlor-interested trust can be used to retain some control over trust assets after the settlor has created the trust.

A non-resident trust can be used to reduce estate taxes or to protect assets from creditors.
It is important to note that this is just a brief overview of the different types of trusts. There are many other types of trusts available, and each type of trust has its own specific features and benefits. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/trusts-taxes/types-of-trust

Inheritance trust disputes can be complex and varied, but some common scenarios include:

  • Disputes over the validity of the trust: This can happen if the settlor (the person who created the trust) does not have the mental capacity to create a trust, or if the trust deed was not executed correctly.

 

  • Disputes over the interpretation of the trust deed: If the trust deed is poorly drafted or unclear, it can lead to disputes between the trustees and beneficiaries about how the trust should be administered.

 

  • Disputes over the appointment or removal of trustees: Trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If a trustee is not acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries may apply to the court to have the trustee removed.

 

  • Disputes over the investment of trust assets: Trustees have a legal duty to invest trust assets prudently. If a trustee makes investments that are too risky or that lose money, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee for breach of duty.

 

  • Disputes over the distribution of trust assets: Trustees have a legal duty to distribute trust assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the trust deed. If a trustee distributes trust assets incorrectly, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee for breach of duty.

 

Here are some specific examples of inheritance trust disputes that have occurred in the UK:

  • In one case, a beneficiary disputed the validity of a trust deed on the grounds that the settlor (the person who created the trust) did not have the mental capacity to create a trust at the time it was set up.

 

  • In another case, a beneficiary sued the trustees for breach of duty after the trustees made a number of risky investments that lost money.



  • In a third case, a beneficiary sued the trustees for breach of duty after the trustees distributed trust assets to the beneficiaries in a way that was not in accordance with the terms of the trust deed.

 

Other possible disputes include:

  • A beneficiary was expecting more than what is set out in the trust document. This may be because the beneficiary had a reasonable belief that they would receive more, or because the trust document is unclear about the beneficiary’s entitlement.

 

  • The individual who set up the trust was provided with negligent or misleading advice. If the settlor was not properly advised about the consequences of setting up a trust, or if they were given incorrect information, they may be able to challenge the trust.

 

  • The trust document is either incomplete or unclear about the wishes of the deceased. If the trust document is incomplete or unclear, it can lead to disputes between the trustees and beneficiaries about how the trust should be administered.

 

  • A trustee acts against the best interests of the beneficiary or doesn’t administer the trust correctly. Trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If a trustee breaches their duty, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee.

If you are involved in an inheritance trust dispute, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.

Contesting a will is challenging the validity of a will. This can be done on a number of grounds, including.

  • The testator (the person who made the will) did not have the mental capacity to make a will.
  • The will was not executed correctly, i.e., it was not signed by the testator or witnessed by two independent witnesses.
  • The testator was unduly influenced to make the will.
  • The will was forged or fraudulent.

 

Contentious probate is any dispute about the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This can include disputes about

  • The validity of the will.
  • The interpretation of the will.
  • The appointment or removal of executors.
  • The distribution of the estate assets.
  • The management of the estate.
  • In the UK, contentious probate is dealt with by the High Court.

 

The main difference between contesting a will and contentious probate is that contesting a will is specifically challenging the validity of the will, while contentious probate can include a wide range of disputes about the administration of an estate.

Here is an example:

Contesting a will: A beneficiary challenges the validity of a will on the grounds that the testator did not have the mental capacity to make a will.

Contentious probate: A beneficiary disputes the interpretation of a will and argues that they are entitled to a larger share of the estate than they have been given.

It is important to note that the two terms are often used interchangeably. For example, a lawyer might say that they are “dealing with a contentious probate matter” when they are actually challenging the validity of a will.

If you are thinking about contesting a will or pursuing a contentious probate claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.

The time limit for making a contentious probate claim in the UK is six months from the grant of probate. This is the legal document that gives the executor the authority to administer the estate.

If you do not make your claim within this six-month time limit, you may need to apply to the court for permission to make a late claim. The court will only grant permission if you have a good reason for not making your claim on time.

There are a number of factors that the court will consider when deciding whether to grant permission for a late claim, including:

  • Why did you not make your claim on time?
  • The strength of your case.
  • Whether the other beneficiaries will be prejudiced if your claim is allowed to proceed.
  • If the court grants you permission to make a late claim, you will need to file your claim within 28 days.

 

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the six-month time limit. For example, if the executor has committed fraud or concealed assets from the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries may be able to make a claim after the six-month time limit has expired.

If you are thinking about making a contentious probate claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the time limits that apply and whether you have a good case.

Here are some examples of when you might be able to make a late contentious probate claim:

  • You were not aware of the death of the deceased until after the six-month time limit had expired.
  • You were unable to make your claim on time because you were ill or incapacitated.
  • The executor has deliberately concealed information from you about the estate.
  • The executor has committed fraud in the administration of the estate.

 

The 12-year limit for making a contentious probate claim in the UK applies to claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. This means that if you are making a claim for financial provision from an estate, you must do so within 12 years of the date of the deceased’s death.

The reason for the 12-year limit is to encourage people to make their claims as soon as possible after the deceased’s death. This is because it can become more difficult to investigate and prove a claim after a long period of time has elapsed.

If you are unsure whether you are able to make a late contentious probate claim, you should seek legal advice.

Most disputes in the UK are resolved out of court through mediation and negotiation. This is because it is generally faster, cheaper, and less stressful for all involved.

If you are considering disputing a will, it is important to contact a contentious probate specialist before you involve any other relatives or beneficiaries of the estate. A specialist lawyer can advise you on your legal options and help you to resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently.

Here are some of the benefits of resolving a will dispute out of court:

  • It is faster and cheaper than going to court.
  • It is less stressful for all involved.
  • It allows you to maintain relationships with other family members and beneficiaries.
  • You have more control over the outcome of the dispute.

 

There are a number of steps that you can take to try to resolve a contentious probate dispute without going to court, including

  • Negotiation: You can try to negotiate a settlement with the other parties to the dispute. This may involve making concessions on your part, but it can be a good way to avoid the time and expense of court proceedings.
  • Mediation: Mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps the parties to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation can be a good way to resolve a dispute without going to court, but it is important to note that it is not binding on the parties.
  • Arbitration: Arbitration is a more formal process than mediation, and it is binding on the parties. However, it can still be a good way to resolve a dispute without going to court.

 

If you are unable to resolve the dispute amicably, you will need to file a claim with the High Court. The court will then hold a hearing to decide the case.

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