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Need Help with a Contentious Probate Issue?

We’ll Connect You with Expert Solicitors

Is a Will being challenged, or are beneficiary tensions starting to build?

Contentious probate cases can delay probate, drain estate funds, and put executors under serious pressure. Whether you’re already facing a claim or worried one might arise, early legal advice is crucial.

We’ll connect you with a specialist contentious probate solicitor who can help protect your position and resolve the dispute before it escalates.

Image showing a contentious probate dispute between two parties

Worried about personal liability? A quick call can clarify your risks as an executor or personal representative.

Common Contentious Probate Situations

  • A family member has been left out of the Will
  • A beneficiary disputes their share of inheritance
  • Concerns about how the Will was made
  • A claim under the Inheritance Act 1975
  • No Will, and relatives disagree who gets what
  • Delays, confusion or family breakdowns
  • Executors threatened with personal legal action

Why Early Contetious Probate Advice Matters

Acting before a situation escalates can:

  • Prevent distributions that later need to be reversed
  • Reduce the risk of expensive court claims
  • Help you respond properly to formal Letters of Claim
  • Limit your personal liability as an executor
  • Provide peace of mind during a difficult and emotional process

You don’t need to wait for a claim to become official.

If you have doubts, concerns, or feel pressure from family members—get advice early.

How to arrange your FREE consultation

Executors can face personal legal risk if claims are mishandled or assets are distributed too early.

A quick call with a specialist can clarify your responsibilities, and protect you from expensive mistakes.

Here is how to arrange your consultation:

  1. Click the arrange a FREE Consultation button
  2. Fill in the enquiry form and we’ll securely refer your case to one of our trusted inheritance dispute solicitors.
  3. You’ll receive a free, no-obligation call to assess your situation and decide on next steps.

Disclaimer: Insuristic is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We will refer your enquiry to a contentious probate solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Any legal services will be provided separately by that solicitor

Not Facing a Dispute Yet? Protect Yourself Proactively

Even if there’s no claim today, executors can be held personally liable for losses if a dispute arises later. With the right probate insurance, you can reduce risk and distribute the estate with confidence.

Explore our specialist insurance products:

  • Probate Property Insurance – Covers unoccupied homes correctly to avoid disputes over damage or underinsurance.

  • Section 27 Insurance – Protects against unknown creditor claims, removing the need to delay distribution.

  • Early Distribution Insurance – Enables you to release inheritance before the six-month claim window ends, while staying legally protected.

  • Missing Will Insurance – If a newer or unknown Will is discovered after distribution, this policy protects you and the beneficiaries by covering defence costs and potential payouts.

  • Missing Beneficiary Insurance - Covers claims from previously unknown or untraceable heirs, especially in intestacy cases or when the Will uses vague terms like “children” or “grandchildren.”

Read our Executor Insurance Guide to learn more about your options.

Contentious Probate FAQs

Yes. Inheritance disputes can arise for several reasons:

  • The Will was not signed or witnessed properly
  • The person lacked mental capacity when writing the Will
  • They were under undue influence or coercion
  • Someone financially dependent on the deceased was left out

Legal advice is key to determining whether your concern has legal merit.

You may be able to challenge a Will or claim provision if you are:

  • A spouse or civil partner
  • A child or stepchild
  • A dependant who was financially supported by the deceased
  • A cohabiting partner
  • A beneficiary of an earlier Will

Each person’s legal standing varies depending on the situation.

Success often depends on the strength of your evidence. A claim is more likely to be upheld if:

  • The Will was made under pressure or the person lacked capacity
  • There’s proof the Will doesn’t reflect their true wishes
  • You relied on the deceased for financial support

The Will omits someone previously promised provision

Most claims under the Inheritance Act must be made within 6 months of probate being granted. Some exceptions apply in cases involving fraud or undue influence.

If you're unsure about the timing, speak to a solicitor quickly to avoid missing your window to act.

This depends on the complexity of the case. Mediation can resolve disputes within a few months. But full court claims may take a year or more.

If documents, witnesses, or expert reports are involved, the timeline may extend. It’s wise to prepare for a longer process, but some cases resolve quickly with legal guidance.

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