Wills Disputes and Contentious Probate

Wills Disputes and Contentious Probate Solicitors in Gloucestershire

When a will is contested or if there is an inheritance dispute, this is often referred to as ‘contentious probate’. Unfortunately, disputes over a Will or how an estate is being handled following the death of a loved one are not uncommon.  

At Langley Wellington, we have extensive experience in handling disputes concerning Wills, Trusts and Estates and can act on behalf of a variety of clients, including Beneficiaries, Families, and individuals. We can also help you defend a challenge to a Will or how the assets have been distributed.  

Contentious Probate Lawyers Cheltenham and Gloucester

We understand that a dispute over a Will at an already stressful time can only add to your grief. Seeking early legal advice from our experienced and sympathetic team can help ensure your loved ones’ Wills are carried out as they would have intended. Our expert, contentious probate lawyers in Cheltenham and Gloucester hold membership of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. Membership requires completion of strict criteria and substantial experience in this area.

Through our knowledge and expertise, our inheritance law experts will guide you through the process, finding a solution best for you.  

Who can challenge a Will? 

The Inheritance Act (Provision For Family And Dependants) Act 1975, provides some guidance on who has a legal right to contest a will but in general it includes: 

• Direct family dependants like children or grandchildren
• A spouse, irrespective of whether they were separated or still together
• A beneficiary who was named in a earlier will
• Someone who relied on the deceased financially
• A creditor who owns the deceased’s debt
• A person who believes they were promised an item by the deceased that was not included in the will

 Generally, the main grounds for making an inheritance challenge can be brought when the Will itself is invalid, contesting a Will, for example, based on undue influence or duress or if you think the Will is a forgery, or if you believe the deceased did not make reasonable financial provision for you in their Will or if there is no Will and you are left without reasonable financial provision by the rules of intestacy. 

If you are considering challenging or contesting a will or are a beneficiary and the Will is being challenged, our expert contentious probate lawyers aim to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively.

Legal advice on Contentious Probate and Will Disputes

As each case is unique and often highly sensitive, we offer an initial half-hour consultation free of charge to discuss the options that may be available to you. Langley Wellington LLP’s highly trained and skilled Will dispute solicitors can tackle this issue either if a Will needs to be challenged or if it needs to be defended.

Whether you need to challenge a will or defend a claim being brought against you, our inheritance law experts will guide you through the process, finding a solution best for you. 

Probate, Wills and Estate Planning Solicitors

If you are looking to make a Will, advice on Estate Planning or management, or require any kind of elderly care or probate services, our dedicated private client and probate practitioners are on hand to provide help.

To find out more about our range of services, please visit our Private Client page.

Get in Touch

To find out more about our Dispute Resolution Services or to speak with our team, call 01452 521286  or make an online enquiry. We have two office locations across Cheltenham and Gloucester. To find out more contact us.