Contentious probate solicitors, London
Explore how we can help you with any legal requirements connected to a private wealth dispute.
Contact our teamAt Moore Barlow our team of highly experienced contentious probate solicitors understands that dealing with the loss of a loved one is a particularly challenging and emotional time.
Our dedicated lawyers are here to provide you and your family with expert legal advice and support during this difficult process.
With a proven track record in handling complex and contentious probate cases, our solicitors have successfully represented countless clients in London and beyond. We recognise that every situation is unique, and we pride ourselves on tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you are contesting a will, disputing an inheritance, or facing any other probate-related conflict, our team will work tirelessly to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
In addition to our legal expertise, we understand the importance of addressing both the financial and emotional aspects of contentious probate. We work closely with a network of trusted professionals who can provide you with the necessary support. Our holistic approach ensures that you receive comprehensive assistance and guidance throughout the probate process, enabling you to focus on moving forward with your life.
Contact our contentious probate solicitors today to schedule a confidential consultation. We are committed to providing you with compassionate, personalised legal support that will help you navigate through this challenging time and protect your rights.
What is contentious probate?
Contentious probate refers to disputes or conflicts that arise regarding the validity of a will or the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. These disputes can involve issues such as undue influence, lack of mental capacity, or improper execution of the will, and often require legal resolution through court proceedings.
Alternative dispute resolution in contentious probate
At Moore Barlow, we encourage the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and negotiation, which can offer a more cost-effective and less adversarial path to resolving contentious probate disputes. ADR is particularly useful in preserving family relationships and can lead to swift, confidential settlements without the need for court proceedings. Our specialists are experienced in representing clients in mediation forums and can guide you through every step of the process to achieve an outcome that meets your objectives.
International considerations in probate disputes
Contentious probate can become significantly more complex where estates involve international elements such as foreign property, offshore trusts or beneficiaries living overseas. Jurisdictional issues and conflicting legal systems can pose serious challenges. Our team has experience in handling cross-border disputes and works alongside international legal experts to provide seamless advice on multi-jurisdictional estate matters, ensuring compliance with both UK and foreign laws.
Understanding the Grounds for Contesting a Will
There are several legal grounds on which a will can be contested. The most common include lack of testamentary capacity, where the person making the will did not fully understand the implications of their decisions; undue influence, where an individual was coerced into changing their will; lack of valid execution, where the correct legal process was not followed in signing the will; and fraud or forgery. A court may also consider whether the deceased was subject to pressure or manipulation at the time the will was created. Understanding these grounds is key to determining whether a legal challenge is viable.
Why choose us?
When facing complex disputes regarding probate matters, trust the expertise of Moore Barlow. As leading contentious probate solicitors in London, our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal guidance and support. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of probate law, we navigate disputes with professionalism and tact, striving to achieve favourable outcomes for our clients. Count on us to handle your contentious probate matters with the utmost care and diligence. Contact Moore Barlow today for expert legal representation you can trust.
In addition to our deep understanding of contentious probate matters, Moore Barlow is recognised by leading legal directories including The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our excellence in private client services. Many of our solicitors are members of key professional bodies such as STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), ensuring that we handle each case with the highest level of expertise and ethical standards. Our tailored approach, which includes discreet handling of sensitive family issues and an emphasis on early dispute resolution, differentiates us from our competitors. We also offer flexible funding options and transparent fixed-fee consultations, which are particularly valued by clients navigating complex estate disputes.
How can we help?
Our experienced team of contentious probate solicitors in London are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support for a wide range of issues related to contentious probate. Whether you are facing a challenge to a will, a dispute over an estate, or concerns regarding the administration of a trust, our solicitors have the expertise to guide you through the complexities of the legal process. We understand the emotional and financial toll that such disputes can have on individuals and families, which is why we are committed to offering personalised advice and representation to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. Trust our contentious probate solicitors to protect your interests and resolve your probate disputes efficiently and effectively.
We offer a comprehensive range of legal services to support you through any contentious probate matter, including will validity disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, defence of executors and administrators, removal of executors, disputes over lifetime gifts, proprietary estoppel claims, and challenges to trusts. We also assist with cross-border estate disputes involving overseas assets, missing beneficiaries, and claims arising from undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity. Whether acting for claimants, defendants or third parties, our strategic advice is always aligned with achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Our team of private wealth disputes solicitors
Who we help
Our contentious probate solicitors in London specialise in resolving disputes related to wills and estates. We represent beneficiaries, executors, trustees, and other parties involved in contested probate matters, providing expert legal advice and representation to achieve favourable outcomes.
We act on behalf of a wide range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of large estates, trustees, executors, and family offices. Our client base spans multiple industries including real estate, finance, healthcare, technology and the arts, meaning we are familiar with navigating disputes involving complex business or international asset structures. We also support vulnerable clients and those acting under lasting powers of attorney or court-appointed deputies in cases where mental capacity or undue influence is a factor.
Contact us
For expert advice and representation in contentious probate matters, trust our experienced solicitors in London. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you. We are dedicated to providing personalised solutions and achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
We have offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking and offer specialist contentious probate legal services to clients nationwide.
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Frequently asked questions: Contentious Probate
What is contentious probate?
Contentious probate refers to any dispute that arises over the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This can involve disagreements over the validity of a will, the distribution of assets, or the actions of executors or administrators. These disputes often require legal resolution when beneficiaries or other parties believe there has been unfair treatment, fraud or negligence.
How long do contentious probate claims typically take?
The length of a contentious probate case can vary significantly depending on its complexity. Simpler disputes may be resolved within a few months, especially if settled out of court. More complex cases involving multiple parties or international assets can take a year or more, particularly if litigation is required. Early legal advice can help expedite the process and avoid costly delays.
Can I contest a will if I was left out of it?
Yes, you may be able to contest a will if you believe you were unfairly excluded, particularly if you are a close family member or financial dependant of the deceased. Legal grounds for contesting a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution of the will. You may also be able to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Is there a deadline for making a contentious probate claim?
Yes, time limits do apply and can vary depending on the type of claim. For example, claims under the Inheritance Act must typically be brought within six months of the grant of probate. It is crucial to seek legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines that could affect your ability to pursue a claim.
What steps should I take if I suspect a will is invalid?
If you believe a will is invalid, it’s important to act quickly. Start by seeking legal advice to assess your grounds for contesting the will. Your solicitor can help gather evidence, such as medical records or witness statements, and may apply for a ‘caveat’ to be issued, which temporarily halts the probate process while investigations take place.
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