Wills and Probate Disputes and Claims against Estates
Bereavement can often lead to family arguments and tensions over the assets left behind. Grief can be intensified when there are suspicions of foul play or concern regarding the Will. As a result of complex family and domestic arrangements as well as the current financial climate claims against estates are increasing. Disputes can also occur as a result of someone not having made a Will or making a Will when they were in very poor health.
Claims are often made to overturn a Will on the basis that:
- It has not been completed or drafted correctly;
- The deceased did not understand the Will due to illness or incapacity;
- There are suspicious circumstances when the Will was made (especially when a beneficiary has been heavily involved in its preparation).
- The Deceased had been pressured into making the Will.
- Where the last Will made differs greatly from earlier Wills.
Probate disputes involve sensitive issues and often immediate action is required in order to prevent the disappearance of money or property or the incorrect distribution of the estate.
If any of the situations listed below apply to your circumstances then Hilliers HRW can help:
Will Disputes
- Do you have a query about someone's Will and how it was made?
- Does it appear particularly unusual?
- Does the Will vary greatly from what the deceased had told you about it? Does the Will vary significantly from earlier Wills?
- Were you excluded from a Will without explanation?
- Was the Will made during a time when they were under heavy medication or were there any questions over their capability to understand the document?
- Do you suspect that the deceased was influenced or pressurised by someone into their Will in a way they would not otherwise?
Executors Problems
- Is someone challenging a Will of which you are a beneficiary or an executor?
- Is someone threatening legal action against you for the way you dealt with an estate?
- Do you have a complaint about the Executor or administrator of an estate in which you are a beneficiary?
Broken Promises
- Did someone you were living with die without providing for you?
- Was the person who died financially supporting you in anyway?
- Do you have a child by someone who has died (whether or not they were paying child maintenance)?
- Did a person make a promise to you that they would provide for you and that promise has not be fulfilled?
Worried about a claim against your estate after your death?
- Are you concerned that family members may cause problems for your main beneficiaries after your death and try to commence claims against your estate?
Contact:
Michael Culver. Stevenage Office: 01438 346000 or Bedford Office: 01234 858000. email
