IPDA Claim Solicitors | Cheshire | Gavin Edmondson Solicitors
If you have been left out of a will or believe you have not received reasonable financial provision from a loved one’s estate, you may be able to make an IPDA claim. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain family members and dependants to ask the court for greater financial provision where a will, or the rules of intestacy, fail to make reasonable provision for them.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, our experienced IPDA claim solicitors advise clients across Cheshire on Inheritance Act claims involving:
Spouses
Civil partners
Children
Cohabitees
Financial dependants.
What’s more, we understand that these disputes are often emotionally challenging as well as financially significant. That’s why we take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your legal options clearly and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Whether you are considering making an IPDA claim or defending one, our specialist contested probate team is here to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors today to discuss an IPDA claim. And take the first step in resolving matters related to a contested will.
What Is an IPDA Claim?
An IPDA claim is a claim brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 by someone who believes they have not received reasonable financial provision from a deceased person’s estate. Unlike a challenge to the validity of a will, an IPDA claim accepts that the will is legally valid but argues that it fails to make adequate financial provision for an eligible applicant.
These claims commonly arise where a spouse, child, cohabiting partner or dependant has been left with insufficient financial support. However, every family’s circumstances are different, so the court considers a range of factors before deciding whether further provision should be made. Here, at Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we provide straightforward advice from the outset. Helping you understand whether you have grounds to pursue an IPDA claim and the steps involved in achieving a fair outcome.
What Does the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 Do?
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 gives certain people the legal right to ask the court for reasonable financial provision from a deceased person’s estate. If the will, or the intestacy rules, fail to make adequate provision, the court has the power to order that further financial support is provided where appropriate.
Who Can Make an IPDA Claim?
Only certain individuals are eligible to bring an IPDA claim. This may include:
Spouses
Civil partners
Former spouses in some circumstances
Children
People treated as a child of the family
Cohabitees who meet the legal requirements
Individuals who were financially maintained by the deceased.
We can assess your circumstances and advise whether you are likely to qualify.
Could You Make an IPDA Claim?
If you have been excluded from a will or believe you have not received enough from an estate, you may be wondering whether you have a legal claim. Not everyone can bring an IPDA claim. But if you fall within one of the eligible categories and the estate has failed to make reasonable financial provision for you, there may be grounds to apply to the court.
Whether you are a surviving spouse, an adult child, a long-term partner or someone who depended financially on the deceased, obtaining early legal advice is important. At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we will review your circumstances, explain whether you meet the legal requirements and provide honest advice about the strength of your claim.
We aim to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your financial future.
Were You Left Without Reasonable Financial Provision?
Being named in a will does not necessarily prevent you from bringing a claim. If the provision you received is insufficient to meet your needs, you may still be entitled to pursue a reasonable financial provision claim. The court will consider your circumstances and whether the provision made is reasonable in light of the law.
Can You Make an IPDA Claim If You Were Not Left Enough in the Will?
Yes. Many IPDA claims arise because a family member was not left enough in a will. Rather than being excluded entirely. If the financial provision you received does not adequately provide for your needs, you may have grounds to seek further provision from the estate. Our solicitors can advise whether an Inheritance Act claim is likely to succeed.
Reasonable Financial Provision Claim – How Does the Court Decide?
Every reasonable financial provision claim is decided on its own facts. The court does not simply look at whether someone feels a will is unfair. Instead, it considers whether the deceased made reasonable financial provision for an eligible applicant in light of their individual circumstances.
Moreover, when assessing an IPDA claim, the court examines a range of factors, including the:
Financial needs of the applicant
Size of the estate
Competing interests of other beneficiaries.
These cases can be legally complex, which is why obtaining specialist advice is essential.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we carefully assess the strength of your claim, gather the evidence needed to support your case and provide clear, practical advice throughout the process. Our objective is always to secure the best possible outcome while keeping matters as straightforward and cost-effective as possible.
What Does Reasonable Financial Provision Mean?
Reasonable financial provision refers to the level of financial support that the law considers appropriate in the circumstances. What is considered reasonable varies depending on the applicant’s relationship with the deceased and their individual financial needs. We will explain how the law applies to your situation and advise whether you have grounds to pursue a reasonable financial provision claim.
What Factors Will the Court Consider?
The court will consider several factors, including:
Your financial needs and resources
The size and nature of the estate
T needs of other beneficiaries
Your relationship with the deceased
Any obligations they had towards you during their lifetime.
We will help you gather the evidence needed to present the strongest possible case.
Inheritance Act Claim – What Can You Claim For?
A successful Inheritance Act claim can result in additional financial provision from the deceased’s estate where the court concludes that reasonable provision has not been made. The amount awarded depends on the individual circumstances of each case and is intended to meet the applicant’s financial needs rather than simply redistribute the estate equally.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we take the time to understand your circumstances before advising on the outcome you may realistically achieve. We will explain the likely value of your claim, negotiate with the executors or beneficiaries where appropriate and, if necessary, represent you in court. Throughout your claim, we remain focused on protecting your interests while working towards a practical and proportionate resolution.
What Outcomes Can an IPDA Claim Achieve?
A successful IPDA claim may result in a lump sum payment, regular maintenance, the transfer of property or another financial award that the court considers appropriate. Every case is different, and the outcome will depend on the evidence and your individual circumstances.
How Long Do You Have to Make an Inheritance Act Claim?
In most cases, an Inheritance Act claim should be issued within six months of the Grant of Probate or, where applicable, the Grant of Letters of Administration. Because this time limit is strict, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early advice also gives us the best opportunity to preserve evidence, protect your position and explore the possibility of resolving the dispute without court proceedings.
IPDA Claim Solicitor – How Can We Help?
Making or defending an IPDA claim requires a detailed understanding of both the law and the practical issues that arise in contentious probate disputes. Whether you believe you have been left without reasonable financial provision or you are responding to a claim against an estate, obtaining specialist legal advice at an early stage can make a significant difference.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we have many years of experience advising clients on Inheritance Act claims across Cheshire. We combine technical legal knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach, ensuring you receive clear advice from your initial consultation through to the resolution of your case. Wherever possible, we seek to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation. However, if court proceedings become necessary, you can rely on us to provide robust representation and protect your interests throughout.
Assessing Your IPDA Claim
We begin by reviewing your circumstances, assessing your eligibility under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and advising on the strength of your claim. We will identify the evidence needed, explain the legal process clearly and provide realistic advice about your prospects of success.
Resolving Inheritance Act Claims
Many Inheritance Act claims can be resolved without the need for a contested court hearing. We negotiate firmly on your behalf and explore alternative methods of dispute resolution wherever appropriate. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will prepare your case thoroughly and represent you confidently through every stage of the litigation process.
Why Choose Our IPDA Claim Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor can have a significant impact on the outcome of your IPDA claim. Inheritance disputes often involve complex legal issues, sensitive family relationships and substantial financial interests. So, you need experienced contested probate solicitors who understand both the law and the practical realities of contentious probate litigation.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we have been advising individuals and families across Cheshire for many years. Building a reputation for delivering clear legal advice and practical solutions. Furthermore, we take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options in straightforward language and develop a strategy tailored to your objectives.
Whether you are bringing or defending an Inheritance Act claim, we remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome. While providing the personal service you would expect from a trusted local law firm.
Experienced Inheritance Act Solicitors
Our contentious probate team has extensive experience advising clients on IPDA claims, Inheritance Act claims and other inheritance disputes. We understand that no two cases are the same, which is why we take a tailored approach to every matter we handle.
From your first consultation, we will assess the strength of your position, explain the legal process clearly and provide realistic advice based on your individual circumstances. And by combining technical expertise with practical commercial advice, we help our clients make informed decisions with confidence.
Clear Advice From Start to Finish
We appreciate that inheritance disputes can be stressful. Particularly when they involve close family members or significant financial concerns. That’s why we focus on making the legal process as straightforward as possible.
When you instruct Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, you can expect:
Clear, honest legal advice.
Prompt communication and regular updates.
A solicitor who takes the time to understand your circumstances.
Practical strategies tailored to your objectives.
Robust representation in negotiations and court proceedings where required.
Our priority is to resolve your claim efficiently while protecting your interests at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About IPDA Claims
If you are considering an IPDA claim, you are likely to have questions about your eligibility, the legal process and the potential outcome. Below are answers to some of the questions our IPDA claim solicitors are most frequently asked.
Can Adult Children Make an IPDA Claim?
Yes. Adult children may be eligible to bring an IPDA claim. Although they must satisfy the legal requirements set out in the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The court will consider the specific circumstances of the case, including the applicant’s financial needs, their relationship with the deceased and any other relevant factors.
Can a Spouse Challenge a Will?
Yes. A surviving spouse or civil partner is one of the most common applicants in an Inheritance Act claim. If a will, or the rules of intestacy, fail to make reasonable financial provision, they may ask the court to award further provision from the estate.
Can an Unmarried Partner Make an IPDA Claim?
Potentially. A cohabiting partner who lived with the deceased for the required qualifying period immediately before their death may be entitled to bring an IPDA claim. Whether you qualify will depend on your individual circumstances, and we can advise you on your eligibility.
What If Probate Has Already Been Granted?
An IPDA claim can often still be made after probate has been granted, provided the statutory time limit has not expired. Because claims are generally expected to be issued within six months of the Grant of Probate, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Speak to Our IPDA Claim Solicitors
If you believe you have been left without reasonable financial provision or need advice about defending an IPDA claim, our experienced solicitors are here to help.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we advise clients throughout Cheshire on Inheritance Act claims. Providing clear legal advice, practical guidance and robust representation from the outset. What’s more, we understand the financial and emotional impact these disputes can have, which is why we work proactively to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping you informed at every stage.
Contact our IPDA claim solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire, today to arrange an initial consultation. We will assess your circumstances, explain your legal options and help you decide on the most appropriate way forward.
Areas Our IPDA Claim Solicitors Cover
Based in Cheshire, Gavin Edmondson Solicitors acts for clients across Cheshire County and the surrounding areas in relation to IPDA claims and other contentious probate disputes.
We regularly advise clients on IPDA Claims in Northwich, Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Nantwich, and Alderley Edge.