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Managing estate disputes or family disagreements

 

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

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Clear guidance when a will or estate becomes contentious

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

Early legal advice can prevent matters escalating. We can 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 impact on the family.

We support clients across Staffordshire and the West Midlands, including Cannock, Dudley, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield.

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

Enquire about an estate dispute

Tell us what has happened and we will confirm the best next step.

Important: What to do next?

When there is a dispute, the early steps matter. Keep communication calm and factual, avoid messages sent in anger, and make sure you keep copies of key documents and correspondence.

If you do not have the will, estate accounts or basic valuation information, request them early. Taking advice sooner can help you understand your position, preserve evidence, and avoid unnecessary cost or escalation.

Do not send heated messages or social posts. Keep communications factual.

Keep copies of emails, letters, and documents.

Ask for key documents if you do not have them (will, estate accounts, valuations).

Get early advice before positions harden.

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.

What the process can look like

Most disputes start with information gathering, reviewing documents, and setting out concerns clearly. Many matters resolve through sensible negotiation or mediation. If a dispute cannot be resolved, we can advise on formal options and what you would need to prove, so you can make an informed decision.

How we help move things forward

Practical steps, clear communication, and a focus on outcomes.

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Protecting your position

We explain what you can do, what evidence matters, and what the likely route is.

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Early case assessment

A realistic view of strengths, risks, costs, and timescales before things escalate.

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Evidence and documents

Guidance on what to request, what to preserve, and what is likely to be relevant.

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Negotiation and resolution

A calm approach aimed at resolving matters where possible.

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Protecting executors and beneficiaries

Advice whether you are bringing a claim or responding to one.

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Next steps if agreement is not possible

Clear guidance on formal options and what a court process could involve.

Need advice on a will or estate dispute?

A short conversation can clarify your position and the best next step, before matters escalate.

Estate dispute FAQs

What is a contentious probate dispute?

It is a dispute connected to a will, probate, or the administration of an estate. It can include challenges to the validity of a will, disagreements about interpretation, or disputes 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, lack of information, or how assets are being handled, we can advise on the right requests to make and the next steps available.

Your Wills, Trusts & Probate Team

Our Wills, Trusts & Probate team helps you plan for the future and deal with loss with clarity and care. From writing your Will and setting up trusts to administering estates and arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney, they provide calm, straightforward guidance focused on protecting you, your wishes and the people who matter most.