Your first call with a contentious probate solicitor is critical for empowering you with clarity and control. Key questions to ask include establishing your specific legal grounds for challenging a Will (e.g., lack of capacity, undue influence, or Inheritance Act claims), understanding the strict time limits involved (especially the non-negotiable six-month deadline from the Grant of Probate), clarifying the solicitor’s fee structure (including “No Win, No Fee” options), and gaining an initial assessment of the likely outcome of your claim. These questions ensure you receive comprehensive, authoritative advice and a clear path forward, alleviating initial anxieties.
Why it is Important to Prepare Questions to Ask
Taking the brave step to contact a contentious probate solicitor can feel daunting. You’re likely navigating profound grief, financial uncertainty, and perhaps even complex family dynamics. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. However, that first call is not just about telling your story; it’s an opportunity for you to take control, gain clarity, and empower yourself with the information needed to make informed decisions.
We encourage you to come prepared. We understand that you need clear, direct answers to crucial questions that will shape your understanding of the legal landscape. This initial conversation is about building a foundation of trust and providing you with an expert roadmap. Don’t hesitate to ask the difficult questions, that’s what we’re here for.
1. What are my specific legal grounds for contesting this Will?
This is arguably the most critical question. You might have a strong feeling that the Will is unfair, but your solicitor needs to translate that feeling into specific legal grounds.
Why it matters: UK law provides distinct, specific reasons for challenging a Will. These include:
Lack of Mental Capacity: The deceased wasn’t of sound mind when making the Will (applying the Banks v. Goodfellow test).
Undue Influence: The deceased was coerced or pressured into making a Will that didn’t reflect their true wishes.
Improper Execution: The Will wasn’t signed or witnessed correctly (e.g., only one witness, or a beneficiary acted as a witness).
Lack of Knowledge & Approval: The deceased didn’t truly understand or approve the contents of the Will, even if they had capacity.
What to expect: Your solicitor will listen to your story and explain which of these grounds, if any, your circumstances potentially align with. They will give you an initial assessment of the strength of your potential claim based on the information you provide.
2. What are the strict time limits involved, especially regarding the Grant of Probate?
Inheritance Act 1975 Claims: This is the most critical deadline. If you are making a claim for reasonable financial provision, you must issue your claim in court within six months from the date the Grant of Probate was issued. This deadline is non-negotiable and rarely extended.
Other Challenges: While other grounds (like capacity or undue influence) don’t have such a rigid six-month limit, delaying still severely weakens your case as evidence becomes harder to gather and the estate may be distributed.
What to expect: Your solicitor will ask if a Grant of Probate has been issued and, if so, when. They will advise on the immediate steps needed (like lodging a Caveat) to protect your position.
3. What are your fees, and what funding options are available to me?
Financial anxiety is a huge barrier. A transparent discussion about costs is vital for your peace of mind and your ability to proceed.
Why it matters: Legal costs can be substantial, but reputable firms offer flexible funding. You need to understand the potential financial commitment from the outset.
What to expect: Your solicitor should clearly explain:
Free Initial Assessment: Most specialist firms, like Contest A Will Today, offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to assess your case.
Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) / “No Win, No Fee”: Whether your case is suitable for a CFA, where you only pay legal fees (plus a success fee) if your case wins. If you lose, you pay nothing for their time.
Disbursements: Costs not covered by “No Win, No Fee” (e.g., court fees, expert reports, barrister fees if not on CFA).
After The Event (ATE) Insurance: How this insurance can protect you from paying the opponent’s legal costs if you lose.
Hourly Rates: If CFAs are not suitable, what their hourly rates are and how they estimate total costs.
Why we offer this: Our goal is to empower you to pursue justice, not just if you have deep pockets. Understanding funding options upfront removes a huge burden.
4. What is the likely outcome, and what are the chances of settling outside of court?
You want a realistic picture of what lies ahead, not false promises.
Why it matters: Litigation is inherently uncertain. An honest assessment of the likely outcome (best-case, worst-case, most probable) helps manage your expectations and informs your strategy. It also highlights the importance of settlement discussions.
What to expect: Your solicitor will provide an initial opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They should also discuss:
Mediation: The high probability (often over 90%) of inheritance disputes settling through mediation or negotiation, avoiding a full court trial.
Likely Timescales: An estimate of how long the process might take, from initial investigation to settlement or trial.
Potential Remedies: What you might realistically achieve (e.g., a specific sum, a share of property, the invalidation of the Will).
Our approach: We always aim for amicable resolution where possible, recognising the emotional and financial benefits of settling outside court. Our authority comes from guiding countless clients to realistic, fair outcomes.
5. What information do you need from me to properly assess my case?
Knowing what to prepare empowers you to make your first call as productive as possible.
Why it matters: The more information you can provide upfront, the more accurate and detailed your solicitor’s initial assessment will be.
What to expect: Your solicitor will likely ask for:
A copy of the Will (and any previous Wills).
The Grant of Probate (if issued).
Details of the deceased’s family tree and assets.
A timeline of relevant events and a summary of your concerns.
Names of any key witnesses or medical professionals.
Your preparation: Gathering these documents beforehand will make your initial call much more efficient and insightful.
Take Control, Seek Clarity
Your first call to a contentious probate solicitor is an act of empowerment. By asking these crucial questions, you transform uncertainty into understanding, fear into strategy, and doubt into a clear path towards resolution.
At Contest A Will Today, we are ready to provide the answers, the expertise, and the empathetic guidance you need. We are committed to ensuring you feel heard, informed, and confident in every step you take towards securing a fair outcome.
Don’t hesitate. Take control of your future today.
Get your free, no-obligation case assessment. Call 08002980029 or visit contestawilltoday.com
FAQs
1. Should I inform the Executor or other beneficiaries before I contact a solicitor?
While there is no legal requirement to inform the Executor or beneficiaries before seeking initial legal advice, it is generally recommended to keep your initial consultation confidential. Contacting a solicitor first allows you to understand the true strength and legal grounds of your case, enabling you to take immediate protective steps (like lodging a Caveat) without prematurely alerting the Executor. Once you have a clear strategy, your solicitor will handle the formal communication using a Letter of Claim, which is a crucial pre-action step.
2. What documents should I gather before my first consultation to ensure I get the best advice?
To ensure your first consultation is as productive as possible, you should try to gather the following: a copy of the Will in question, any previous Wills (if available), the Grant of Probate (if it has been issued), a summary of the deceased’s main assets and estimated value, and a list of all key family members and beneficiaries. Any relevant contemporaneous evidence, such as letters or notes that shed light on the deceased’s mental state or the actions of a potential coercer, is also extremely helpful.
3. What is the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor in a Will dispute case?
In the UK legal system, solicitors manage the day-to-day legal work, gather evidence, communicate with the other side, and handle all the paperwork. They are your primary point of contact. A Barrister, on the other hand, is the specialist legal advocate (often called ‘counsel’) who will advise on complex legal points, draft court documents, and, most importantly, represent you in court or during high-level negotiation meetings (like mediation). For contentious probate, solicitors often instruct barristers early on to get strategic advice, ensuring your case is built on the strongest legal foundation.
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Frequently asked questions.
Can A Will Be Contested?
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.
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.
What are the different Types of Trusts?
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
What are Examples of Inheritance Trust disputes?
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.
What’s the difference between contesting a will and contentious probate?
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.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Contentious Probate Claim?
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.
Do I have to go to court to contest the probate?
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.
