Your Contested Probate Solicitors

We’re a team of specialist contested probate solicitors with years of experience helping our clients navigate the challenges of disputes regarding wills, inheritance, and estate control. 

From assisting with challenges to the validity of a will to defending existing wills, and helping resolve disputes between executors and beneficiaries, we provide clear, practical advice and support based on your circumstances.

We understand the stress and uncertainty a probate dispute can bring at an already difficult time, with complex legal disputes often needing to be dealt with alongside sensitive family relationships. 

Our team takes a considered approach towards each case, helping you understand your options, protect your interests, and work toward a favourable resolution.

By choosing Manak Solicitors for contested probate matters, you will receive:

• Clear, practical advice: We explain your legal position and available options in straightforward terms, enabling you to proceed with knowledge and confidence.

• Experienced support and legal representation: Our solicitors can provide you with high-calibre legal support at every stage, from explaining processes to drafting and submitting documentation and, where necessary, providing legal representation.

• A resolution-focussed approach: Where possible, we strive to settle disputes through negotiation and agreement, while providing robust representation when legal action is required.

• Regular communication: You’ll receive regular communication throughout the process, ensuring you’re fully aware of the latest developments and the next steps required.
• Lexcel-accredited practice: Our firm holds the Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation, the gold standard in legal practice management, client care, and compliance.

Interested in finding out more? Contact us today and learn how our contested probate solicitors can help you.

At Manak Solicitors, we bring compassion and practicality to contested probate matters. Whether you’re challenging a will, defending against a challenge, or dealing with a dispute involving inheritance or the administration of an estate, our solicitors help you understand your legal position while guiding you through the necessary requirements to work towards a favourable resolution.

We can assist with a wide range of contested probate matters, including:

Challenging the validity of a will

Challenging a will can be stressful and daunting, bringing about a potentially complex legal dispute at an already emotionally charged time. If you have concerns around the validity of a will, our contested probate and wills solicitors can assess the circumstances surrounding it and review whether there may be grounds for a challenge.

In cases where a challenge is possible, we can guide you through the appropriate next steps, from preparing and submitting documentation to fulfilling any legal requirements.

We can also assist executors, beneficiaries, and other relevant parties who are defending the validity of an existing will against a challenge. In these cases, we can help you protect your position while responding to any claims made and providing legal representation, should the challenge escalate to court proceedings.

Inheritance Act claims

Even if a will is legally valid, you may still be able to make an Inheritance Act claim against the estate if you or a loved one has not been left reasonable financial provision. Common examples of people who are often eligible for inheritance claims include spouses, children, certain cohabiting partners, and other people who were financially dependent on the deceased.

Our contested probate solicitors can advise you on the eligibility of your claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. If eligible, we can advise you on the relevant next steps and provide you with the legal support needed to pursue an appropriate settlement.

We can also assist executors and beneficiaries who need to respond to and defend against an Inheritance Act claim that challenges some of the financial arrangements made in relation to the estate.

Executor and administrator disputes

Disputes involving executors and administrators are common in inheritance cases, particularly when there are ambiguities in the will or disagreements about how the estate should be managed or distributed.

Disputes may also arise from delays, the handling of money or assets, or the perceived conduct of an executor or administrator. 

Whether you’re opposing the decisions of an executor or administrator, or defending your own position, how you respond can be crucial to the eventual distribution of the estate.

Our expert team can advise you on your legal position and work towards resolving disagreements between parties where possible. If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, we can provide you with legal representation and, in more serious cases, advise on applications to remove or replace an executor or administrator.

Beneficiary and estate disputes

Disputes can occur between beneficiaries or other relevant parties over how an estate should be interpreted or distributed. This can include disagreements over:

• Who is entitled to inherit certain assets.
• The value of particular assets.
• How finances or assets should be divided.
• The interpretation of certain terms in a will.

At Manak Solicitors, we can review the will and any other relevant documents and advise you on your legal position. Where disagreements arise, we can communicate with other parties on your behalf and ensure your interests are represented clearly and effectively.

We aim to work toward a resolution through negotiation but can represent your interests via legal proceedings if necessary.

There are several reasons that a will may be contested. Common reasons include:

• Lack of capacity: The deceased did not have sufficient mental capacity to understand that they were making a will, the nature and extent of their estate, and the potential beneficiaries involved.
• Lack of valid execution: The will was not properly signed or witnessed in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.
• Undue influence: The person making the will was subject to undue coercion or pressure that compromised their free will.
• Lack of knowledge and approval: The person did not know, understand, or approve the terms of the will they signed.
• Fraud or forgery: The signature of the deceased was forged, or fraud was used in procuring the will.

Contesting the validity of a will is a challenge against the document itself. This is legally separate from disputes over how an estate is being administered, or claims made because someone has not received reasonable financial provision from the estate.

The cost of a contested probate claim can vary substantially depending on factors including:

• The nature and complexity of the dispute.
• Whether you’re disputing or defending a will.
• The duration of the legal case.
• Whether court proceedings are necessary.

While there is no exact figure for contested probate, typical costs start from:

• Early resolution: £5,000–£15,000
• Settled at mediation: £20,000–£50,000
• Fully contested trial: £75,000+

Generally, the unsuccessful party may be ordered to pay a significant share of the successful party’s costs. However, the court has discretion over costs and, in certain contested probate cases, may order that costs are paid from the estate.

At Manak Solicitors, we pride ourselves on offering high-calibre legal services at a competitive price. We’ll discuss the likely costs with you from the outset and keep you informed of any changes as your case progresses.

With offices in London, Kent, and the South East, Manak Solicitors provides accessible, convenient support for clients dealing with contested probate matters.

Our solicitors can also assist clients throughout England and Wales, with regular Zoom calls and WhatsApp communication, meaning you don’t need to live near one of our offices to benefit from our legal expertise. 

Whether you meet us in person or discuss your case remotely, we can provide you with expert support through every stage of the process.