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Wills, trusts and probate

Contentious probate and estate disputes

Calm, practical advice when emotions are high and the stakes matter.

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  • David Lane
  • Deborah Beal
  • Rebecca Head
  • Tracey Lane
  • Adrian Schuck
  • +4 more
Your wills, trusts and probate team

In short

A contentious probate dispute is a dispute connected to a will, probate or the administration of an estate, such as a challenge to a will's validity, a disagreement about what it means or a dispute about executors and distribution. Ansons Law helps you understand your options, gather the right information and resolve matters through negotiation or mediation where possible. Some claims have strict time limits, so take advice as early as possible.

Time limits
Some claims have strict time limits, so take advice early
Common grounds for a challenge
Mental capacity, undue influence or how the will was signed
Going to court
Not always: many disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation
Who we advise
People bringing a claim and people responding to one, including executors and beneficiaries
Estate disputes Make an enquiry

Some claims have strict time limits

Some claims have strict time limits, and delay can make disputes harder to resolve. If you are concerned about a will or about how an estate is being handled, take advice as early as possible.

What is a contentious probate dispute?

A contentious probate dispute is a dispute connected to a will, probate or the administration of an estate. It can include a challenge to the validity of a will, a disagreement about how a will should be interpreted or a dispute about executors and distribution.

Disagreements after a death are more common than people expect. They can involve the wording of a will, concerns about fairness or questions over capacity and undue influence. Some start with friction between beneficiaries and executors.

Early legal advice can prevent matters escalating. We help you understand your options, gather the right information and take sensible steps to protect your position. Where possible, we focus on resolution through clear communication and negotiation, with a practical view of cost, time and the impact on your family.

What should you do if there is a dispute?

When there is a dispute, the early steps matter.

  • Keep communications calm and factual. Do not send messages in anger or post about it on social media.
  • Keep copies of emails, letters and documents.
  • Ask for key documents early if you do not have them, such as the will, the estate accounts and valuations.
  • Get advice before positions harden.

Taking advice sooner can help you understand your position, preserve evidence and avoid unnecessary cost or escalation.

When should you take advice?

As soon as you suspect an issue. Timing matters in estate disputes, and early advice can help preserve evidence, prevent misunderstandings and reduce unnecessary cost.

If you are worried about how an executor is handling the estate, or you have concerns about how a will was made, it is better to get clarity early.

Colleagues at work in the Ansons Law office in Lichfield
What we do

Issues we can help with

A clear route forward, whether you are challenging a will or responding to a challenge.
  • Disputes over the meaning or interpretation of a will
  • Concerns about mental capacity when a will was made
  • Allegations of undue influence or pressure
  • Concerns about fraud or suspicious circumstances
  • Claims that someone has not been properly provided for
  • Executor disputes, delays or concerns about administration
  • Disagreements between beneficiaries
  • Requests for information, accounts and clarity on the estate
  • Advice on evidence, next steps and dispute resolution options
Step by step

What the process can look like

Every dispute is different, and many resolve without going to court.

  1. Early case assessment

    We explain what you can do, what evidence matters and the likely route, with a realistic view of strengths, risks, costs and timescales.

  2. Evidence and documents

    We gather information and review the documents: what to request, what to preserve and what is likely to be relevant.

  3. Setting out your concerns

    We set out your concerns clearly, or respond to a challenge on your behalf.

  4. Negotiation or mediation

    Many matters resolve through sensible negotiation or mediation, especially where communication improves and expectations are managed.

  5. Formal options

    If agreement is not possible, we advise on formal options, what you would need to prove and what a court process could involve.

Questions

Questions about estate disputes

What is a contentious probate dispute?

It is a dispute connected to a will, probate or the administration of an estate. It can include a challenge to the validity of a will, a disagreement about interpretation or a dispute about executors and distribution.

How do I challenge a will?

It depends on the reason for the challenge. Common grounds include concerns about mental capacity, undue influence or issues with how the will was signed. We can advise what evidence is needed and what the process usually involves.

What if I think an executor is not dealing with the estate properly?

Executors have legal duties. If you have concerns about delays, a lack of information or how assets are being handled, we can advise on the right requests to make and the next steps available.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Some claims have strict time limits, and delay can make disputes harder to resolve. If you are concerned, take advice as early as possible.

Do disputes always end up in court?

No. Many disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation, especially where communication improves and expectations are managed. We always discuss resolution options early.

What information should I gather before speaking to a solicitor?

If you can, gather the will (or details of it), correspondence from the executors, a basic outline of the estate's assets and a short timeline of events. If you do not have these, do not worry: we can guide you.

Can you help if I am an executor or beneficiary facing a challenge?

Yes. We advise whether you are bringing a claim or responding to one, and we help executors and beneficiaries protect their position.

Accreditations and awards

Talk to us about an estate dispute

Tell us what has happened and we will confirm the next step. A short conversation can clarify your position before matters escalate.

Call 01543 263 456
Offices

Our offices

Our contentious probate team works from our offices across the Midlands. Every office can take your enquiry.
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Insights

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