Wills, Probate & Estate Disputes Solicitors

We are here to help you navigate these sensitive matters with clarity and care.

Our experienced team offers compassionate and tailored support, ensuring disputes over Wills, Probate and Estates are resolved efficiently and with respect for your individual needs.

After someone has died, it is a sensitive time for all their loved ones. It can also be tense if there are questions surrounding their Will or the way their estate is being handled. Merriman solicitors (incorporating AB Family Law) can help guide you through any Will, Probate and Estate disputes with our years of expertise in a timely manner. To speak to one of our qualified dispute resolution solicitors, please get in contact with our team to arrange a call or meeting, or visit one of our branches: Marlborough, Chippenham or Gloucester.

Will Disputes

There are multiple grounds for disputing a Will in the UK. These include:

Suspected forgery or fraud
If the Will itself is unclear, or drafted incorrectly
There is suspected undue influence
It does not make reasonable financial provision for family and dependants

Anyone can contest a Will for these reasons, but it is usually surviving family members and financial dependents who contest a Will as they may be entitled to a share if they haven’t been provided for. To see if you have a claim, contact one of our qualified dispute resolution solicitors to discuss.

Probate Disputes

Contentious probate is the name for disputes which emerge over the administration and distribution of someone’s estate. This can include the above described concerns over the Will itself, but also:

Worries about the suitability of executors
The original Will is lost or destroyed
The Will is being held by someone who refuses to release it

If you have concerns about the administration of a deceased person’s estate, Merriman solicitors have years of experience in making legal challenges to probate processes, contact us today.

Estate Disputes

Estate disputes concern the administration of the estate of a deceased person. Reasons for disputing this include:

The estate being mismanaged
Claims against the personal representatives appointed in the Will
Needing clarification of how monies in the estate have been spent

Why choose Merriman Solicitors

At Merriman Solicitors, we know that after the death of a loved one, it is a sensitive time. It can be particularly hard if you feel that their wishes for their estate are not being adhered to. In these circumstances, we provide the support required and pride ourselves on our expertise. Our qualified Will, Probate and Estate dispute solicitors have many years of experience in resolving disputes sensitively and efficiently. Should you wish to find out more about how we can help, please get in contact with our team to arrange a call or meeting, or visit one of our branches: Marlborough, Chippenham or Gloucester.

Why choose Merriman Solicitors (Incorporating AB Family Law)?

3 offices located across Marlborough, Chippenham & Gloucester

Professional, reliable and understandable legal advice

Sensibly priced legal support that will put your mind at ease

Transparent fees with no hidden costs

Get in touch

Frequently asked questions about Will, Probate & Estate Disputes

How long do disputes take?

The length of time it takes to resolve a Will, Probate and Estate dispute generally depends on the complexity of the issue, and whether it can be remedied utilising alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If the dispute ends up in court, it can take up to a couple of years to go to trial, but generally, 12 to 18 months is a fair estimate.

Do I need a solicitor to dispute a Will?

Whilst technically you can dispute a Will without employing the services of a solicitor, it is not recommended. This is due to complexities that may arise related to probate, and strict timelines that must be adhered to when raising a dispute. Working with a solicitor means you don’t have to worry, they will take care of the specific legalities on your behalf.

Can I stop someone from disputing a Will?

If it is your personal Will you wish to protect from a future dispute, you may wish to add a letter of wishes to your Will file explaining the reasons why you have left your estate to certain beneficiaries but not other family members of close acquaintances who may ordinarily expect to benefit.

Is there a time limit for disputing a Will?

Yes, there are time limits, which vary depending on the reason for contesting. If it is an Inheritance Act claim, or rectification claim, you have six months to raise a dispute following the Grant of Probate. A beneficiary can make a claim up to 12 years from the date of death, and there is no limit if you wish to raise a dispute based on fraud or a claim against the executor.