Expert Contentious Probate Solicitors & Will Dispute Solicitors In Nantwich
Resolving Will Disputes & Inheritance Challenges| Fast, Clear, Personalised Advice
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What Is Contentious Probate? Understanding Will Disputes in Nantwich
Contentious probate refers to any legal dispute arising after someone has died, usually involving the distribution of their estate. Common disputes include:
- Disagreements over the validity of a Will
- Concerns about whether the deceased had mental capacity
- Allegations of undue influence or coercion
- Disputes between beneficiaries and executors
- Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
If you're unsure about your rights or responsibilities, our team can provide early advice to help you avoid costly and prolonged litigation.
Common Reasons for Will Disputes & Inheritance Challenges
Contentious probate can arise for a number of reasons. The following is a list of common reasons we encounter:
- Unclear or conflicting Wills
- Family members feeling unfairly excluded
- Allegations of undue influence over the deceased
- Poor estate administration or executor misconduct
- Disputes over property ownership or promises made before death
We aim to resolve disputes quickly and proportionately, protecting relationships where possible while keeping costs under control.
What’s in It for You? How We Support You
We understand that dealing with a dispute over a loved one’s estate can be stressful and confusing. That’s why everything we do is focused on making the process easier and fairer for you.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Peace of mind - Whether you’re challenging a Will, or are involved in an inheritance dispute with other family members, you’ll have experienced, local solicitors on your side who deal with these disputes every day, so you’re not navigating it alone.
- Clear answers and honest advice - We’ll explain where you stand legally in plain English, and help you make confident decisions at every stage.
- Faster resolution - We work to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible (often without going to court), saving you time, stress, and legal costs.
- Protection of your interests - Whether you’re bringing or defending a claim, we’ll protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome.
- Transparent costs - We’ll present your options and the costs involved before any action is taken, so there are no nasty surprises.
In short, we take care of the legal side so you can focus on your wellbeing and future.
Speak with a professional will dispute and contentious probate solicitor today.
To discuss your options please call 01606 811700 or make an enquiry online.
How to Contest a Will in Nantwich
If you’re thinking of challenging a Will, or defending against a claim, the process typically involves:
- Contacting us for an initial consultation
- Assessing whether you have valid grounds to challenge
- Gathering supporting documents and evidence
- Attempting mediation where possible
- Pursuing a Court Claim, if necessary
Why Choose Gavin Edmondson Solicitors in Nantwich?
Our contentious probate specialists are based locally and regularly represent clients across Nantwich and Cheshire.
- Specialists in Family Law – Simple, complex, and high net-worth cases.
- Proven Track Record – 5★ rating on Review Solicitors. Ranked No.1 locally for family law.
We also support clients across nearby areas including Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich, Winsford and wider Cheshire.
How Our Nantwich Solicitors Help with Will Disputes & Contentious Probate
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we offer a full range of contentious probate services, including:
- Contesting a Will – Including cases involving capacity, undue influence, or forgery.
- Defending a Probate Dispute – Support for executors or beneficiaries facing claims.
- Inheritance Act Claims – Seeking reasonable financial provision from an estate.
- Removing Executors or Trustees – Where there has been mismanagement or conflict of interest.
- Entering or Removing a Caveat – To temporarily prevent Probate from being granted.
We’ll explain your options clearly and work toward the most efficient resolution for you.
Time Limits & Deadlines for Contesting a Will in Nantwich
In most contentious probate cases, time is critical.
Claims being brought about under the Inheritance Act, must be brought within 6 months of Probate being granted.
If you believe there’s been fraud, undue influence, or an invalid Will, it's important to seek advice as soon as possible. Early intervention can preserve your rights and strengthen your case.
Will Disputes and Contentious Probate Frequently Asked Questions
You may be able to challenge the validity of a Will if you believe one or more of the following applies:
- The deceased lacked mental capacity at the time the Will was created, e.g. they were suffering from dementia.
- The Will lacks valid execution, e.g. it was not signed in the presence of an appropriate witness.
- The Will was created without the correct knowledge and approval of the deceased, e.g. someone else created it on their behalf and did not correctly inform the deceased of the Will’s content.
- The deceased was under ‘undue influence’ when creating the Will, e.g. they were pressured to favour certain parties to the detriment of others.
- The Will is fraudulent or forged.
Circumstances, where an executor might be considered to be neglecting their duty to the beneficiaries, include:
- Mishandling estate funds.
- If there are excessive delays between the granting of probate and the distribution of the estate to beneficiaries.
- If the executor appears to not be taking the necessary actions to advance the probate process.
- Failing to provide accounts when reasonably requested by concerned parties.
- Beneficiaries removing estate funds prior to or around the time of the death.
An Inheritance Act 1975 claim could be considered if no or insufficient provision has been made for you from an estate. If you have been excluded from a valid Will, or it has failed to make sufficient provision for you, you may consider an Inheritance Act claim. This could also be an option if there was no valid Will left by the deceased, or their estate is being dealt with through the rules of intestacy.
People who may have grounds to make an Inheritance Act claim include:
- The spouse or civil partner of the deceased.
- Someone who was cohabiting with the deceased.
- A child of the deceased who is still in education.
- Anyone dependent upon the deceased at the date of death.
If you wish to pursue an Inheritance Act claim, you need to demonstrate that the deceased failed to make ‘reasonable provision’ for you. The specific circumstances will decide what is considered reasonable provision, and may include covering expenses for your education and living, should you be a child of the deceased.
If you find yourself in a dispute surrounding a family member's estate or the execution of their Will, our solicitors will be able to assist you in bringing or defending a claim. We offer services around various issues. Just a few examples of these include interpreting and contesting Wills, removing executors for mismanagement and valuing an estate.
Yes, we often see estates being mismanaged and are experienced in this area. We can help you to secure a Court order for the executor to step down and we will assist you in installing a replacement.
Some examples of the most common types of mismanagement from executors that we see are:
- Undervaluing property during sales
- Causing delays in administration
- Selling property before settling debts
- Retaining an asset for personal gain
Your contentious probate case will not necessarily go to Court. We understand that executing Wills is a sensitive topic, therefore our top priority is to settle cases using alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. By doing this, we avoid the need to involve the Court. Our priority is to save you time, money, and perhaps most importantly stress. In the rare instances that these efforts prove unsuccessful and you wish to proceed with your claim, our experienced team can represent your interests in Court.
It depends on your dispute but in all cases, the sooner you act the better. To receive a grant of representation, you must act within 6 months.
Speak to a Nantwich Will Dispute Solicitor Today
To discuss your options please call 01606 811700 or make an enquiry online.
Mr B - Crewe, UK
Gavin and his team were brilliant they took on my divorce case after I'd received a terrible service from a previous law firm and they instantly turned it around for me and got me a fantastic result they also took on my child arrangements case and the result again was outstanding and my daughter now lives with me full time I'm so grateful for their help it was the best decision I made going to see them.
Mr B - Belfast, UK
Once again Gavin was an encyclopedia of knowledge! I'm pretty convinced he knows the law and every possible angle more than people that have written the law themselves. Sound and honest advice whatever the way your case is going. I would use them again and recommend without hesitation!