Disputed Wills - a Growing Area
Posted on November 4th 2013Coping with the death of a relative or of someone you have relied upon emotionally and financially is very difficult. Dealing with their estate can be hard enough and is even harder if there is a dispute. Disputed wills are more common as people live longer and family lives are more complicated. It may be that there is a dispute because a family member or dependant considers that the will does not provide for them adequately or does not reflect what the deceased person wanted to happen on their death. It may be that there was not a will at all and that this has caused hardship to dependants who may not automatically inherit on intestacy.
We are one of a small number of firms with a specialist solicitor who is experienced in handling these types of disputes. We can help you defend a claim in relation to a will or an inheritance if you are an executor or an administrator or help you bring a claim if you are a disappointed beneficiary.
Jane Beale is the partner in charge of our litigation department and therefore has extensive experience in dealing with the court. She is also a Registered Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist (CTAPS) and a Student Member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP). However, we also have a large private client department with three partners with vast experience in administering estates. In particular, Christopher Hamlyn, who heads the department, is a full member of the Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners (STEP). All the partners in the private client department have significant tax expertise and are therefore able to advise on the tax implication of any proposed settlement. We can also advise in relation to applications to the Court of Protection.
For more information, please contact Jane Beale on 01384 371622 or email j.beale@wjclaw.co.uk