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Had a great experience with Lawhive, not only did I get a great price compared to everywhere else I looked, but my assigned solicitor was amazing and super helpful every step of the way. I even got my wanted outcome with my custody case in the end.
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We had a very good experience with…
We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
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02 August, 24
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding. The process to find the most suitable solicitor is straightforward and efficient. The pricing is transparent and clear and the solicitors that have been provided to me have been outstanding. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone looking for a solicitor.
Jane,
09 July, 24
Courteous, fast and competent service
I would definitely recommend Lawhive also for the way the service is structured with a quick initial call and then their online private chat, which saves unnecessary costs, time and provides the kind of flexibility to follow the case when it’s more convenient to you.
Fabrizio,
12 July, 24
Great service and job well done
Great service, excellent communication, very accommodating with timing and date requests. All done efficiently. Highly recommended.
Basira,
23 July, 24
Very happy indeed
A great service and in my experience, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced solicitors who's help I found to be invaluable. Thank you Lawhive, great job.
Paul,
26 July, 24
Had a great experience with Lawhive
Had a great experience with Lawhive, not only did I get a great price compared to everywhere else I looked, but my assigned solicitor was amazing and super helpful every step of the way. I even got my wanted outcome with my custody case in the end.
Danny,
27 July, 24
Exceptional Support
I recently used Lawhive to assist with my British citizenship application, and the experience was fantastic. My lawyer was incredibly helpful and kind throughout the entire process.
Angels,
29 July, 24
We had a very good experience with…
We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
Jo,
02 August, 24
Rated 4.8 / 5. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews.

About

A Will Dispute is a legal action taken by a person who believes that they are entitled to a portion of a deceased person's estate. Solicitors can help resolve these disputes and ensure that the deceased's wishes are carried out.Next steps

How much does a Will Dispute cost?

The cost for a licensed solicitor to help with a Will Dispute is dependent on many factors including the complexity and specific requirements of the case. On average it is expected to range from £188-£250 but in some cases it could cost as much as £307.

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Will Dispute Solicitors

The passing of a loved one is a deeply emotional time, and it can become even more challenging when disputes arise over their will. 

Whether it’s questions about the will’s validity, disagreements among beneficiaries, or concerns over how assets are distributed, will disputes can strain family relationships and create significant stress.

In the UK, the law surrounding will disputes is complex and requires a thorough understanding of the legal processes and your rights. Will disputes can encompass a range of issues, from claims of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity to allegations of fraud or improper execution. 

Lawhive is here to help you through this difficult time.

Our network of specialist solicitors is experienced in all aspects of will disputes. They can provide clear, practical advice on your rights and the best course of action.

If you’re facing a will dispute, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Our experienced Legal Assessment Team is here to listen to your concerns, explore your options, and provide a fixed-fee, no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer. 

What is a will dispute? 

A will dispute arises when there is a disagreement or challenge regarding the terms, validity, or execution of a deceased person's will.

These disputes can involve various parties, including family members, beneficiaries, or other individuals with an interest in the deceased's estate.

Will disputes are often emotionally charged and can significantly impact relationships and the distribution of assets.

What are the common reasons for disputing a will?

Some of the most common reasons for will disputes include: 

  • Concerns about whether the will was legally executed, the testator’s mental capacity, or undue influence. 

  • Beneficiaries feel the will’s terms are unfair or do not reflect the testator’s true intentions.

  • Family members or dependents feel inadequately provided for.

  • Disagreements over how the executor is handling the estate.

Who can contest a will?

In the UK, only specific individuals and under certain circumstances can contest a will, this includes: 

  • Beneficiaries named in the will 

  • Beneficiaries under a previous will 

  • Family members and dependents 

  • Executors and administrators 

  • Creditors of the estate 

  • Individuals with a financial interest

 What is the time limit for contesting a will?

Time limits for contesting a will vary depending on the nature of the claim and the grounds on which the will is being disputed. 

Claim type

Who can claim?

Time limit

Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 Claims

Spouses, children, cohabitees, and other dependents who believe they have not been adequately provided for in the will.

Six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Claims for Lack of Validity (Testamentary Capacity, Undue Influence, Fraud)

Family members, executors, and administrators

No fixed statutory time limit

Rectification and Construction Claims

Family members, executors, and administrators

Six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Claims Against Executors or Administrators

Beneficiaries

No fixed statutory time limit

What is the role of an executor in a will dispute?

An executor's duties involve gathering and managing the estate’s assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the will.

During a will dispute, the distribution of the estate's assets is often paused until the dispute is resolved. As such, the executor’s focus shifts to preserving the estate’s value and ensuring that all legal and financial obligations are met while the dispute is ongoing. 

The executor is also generally responsible for defending the validity of a will against challenges and ensuring that the deceased's intentions are respected.

This may involve engaging in legal proceedings to uphold the will’s validity if contested on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution.

We understand the pressures that executors face during will disputes. Our experienced network of solicitors provides comprehensive support and guidance to help executors deal with disputes.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your role as an executor in a will dispute and explore how we can assist you.

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Traditional Law Firms

Pay by the hour

Hourly charges mean costs are hard to predict and you could be charged more than you expect.

Frustrating

It can be take days or weeks to hear updates from your solicitor.

Outdated and offline

Offline and slow procedures will require you to visit firms in-person.

No support

No dedicated support team. You'll have to deal with issues on your own.

How are will disputes resolved?

Depending on the disagreement, will disputes can be resolved through various methods, including: 

  • Informal negotiations 

  • Alternative dispute resolution

  • Court litigation 

Informal negotiations and mediation are often the first steps in resolving a will dispute, aiming to find common ground and negotiate terms that all parties can agree on.

Depending on the nature of the will dispute, negotiations can lead to formal settlement agreements that outline the resolution and any actions to be taken by each party. 

If, however, a will dispute can’t be resolved in this way, the final step is to take the dispute to court, where a judge decides the outcome based on legal arguments and evidence presented by both sides. 

What happens if a will dispute goes to court?

When a will dispute can't be resolved through informal negotiations, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, it may escalate to court litigation

The process begins when one party (the claimant) files a claim with the court, challenging the will's validity or its provisions.

Following this, the court will issue directions to manage the case and both parties must disclose relevant documents and evidence to each other

At the court hearing, each side presents its evidence, including witness testimony and expert reports, to support their arguments. After hearing all the evidence and arguments, the judge deliberates and decides on the case.

How long does the will dispute resolution process take?

How long it takes to resolve a will dispute can vary depending on the case, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and the chosen method of dispute resolution. 

If a will dispute goes to court it can take anywhere from one to two years or longer to resolve, potentially longer if a party appeals to a higher court. 

Can a will dispute be settled out of court?

Will disputes can often be settled out of court. In fact, resolving disputes outside of the courtroom is generally preferred due to the time, cost, and stress associated with formal litigation. 

Alternative methods for settling will disputes without court intervention include mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.

Alternative dispute resolutions like this are more structured than informal negotiations but offer more flexibility than court proceedings, and can result in a mutually agreed resolution. 

What are the costs associated with will disputes?

The typical costs associated with will disputes include: 

  1. Solicitor and barrister fees

  2. Court fees

  3. Expert witness fees 

  4. Mediation and ADR costs 

  5. Potential costs orders

In the context of will disputes, executors and administrators may incur costs for their time and expenses related to managing and distributing the estate, however, these costs are typically reimbursed from the estate

What should I do if I am an executor facing a will dispute?

Being an executor of a will is a significant responsibility, and facing a will dispute adds another layer of complexity and stress to the role. 

If you find yourself dealing with a will dispute, you should carefully review the claim or notice of dispute to identify the reasons and basis for the challenge.

Then, seek legal advice from a wills, trust, and probate solicitor to help you navigate the dispute and fulfill your duties effectively. 

Remember: As an executor, you must remain neutral and act in the best interests of all beneficiaries and the estate. 

So, avoid taking sides in the dispute and refrain from actions that could be perceived as favouring one party over another.

When a loved one’s will is challenged, the resulting dispute can be emotionally and financially draining.

Will disputes can arise for various reasons, including questions about the will’s validity, allegations of undue influence, or disagreements among beneficiaries over asset distribution.

These disputes can place immense pressure on family relationships and the appointed executors.

At Lawhive, we understand the intricacies and emotional toll of will disputes. Our network of specialist solicitors is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert support tailored to your needs. 

Why choose Lawhive? 

  • Expertise: Our solicitors have extensive experience in all aspects of will disputes, from contesting validity to managing executor challenges.

  • Cost-effective: We provide top-quality legal services at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street law firms.

  • Personalised support: We offer tailored advice and support to help you with your specific situation.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. 

Our experienced Legal Assessment Team is ready to listen to your concerns, explore your options, and provide a fixed-fee, no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.

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