Will and inheritance dispute time limits
The earlier you take advice the better. The time limit that applies depends on the type of Will or inheritance claim that you have. Each case is different but the time limit can be as little as six months. With cases of contesting a Will the court has the power to reject a claim if it considers there have been significant and unjustifiable delays in the claim being notified.
This is a complex area of law and you should always take legal advice on your specific circumstances. Also we can advise on the rare occasions where it is possible to apply to extend a time limit.
Also it is best to gather together evidence as early as possible – especially if there is a risk it may be disposed of. Where witness statements are needed, the sooner statements are taken the better – before people’s memories fade.
With Will claims and probate disputes the other reason for acting quickly is that it is far easier to sort out the claim before the property, land, money and possessions have already been distributed to the wrong people.
Whether you’re challenging or defending a Will or your inheritance, our Free Initial Assessment is there to help you take early, confidential telephone advice from an expert lawyer. Please call us on 0808 189 1949 or use the webform to get your free advice as to whether you have a situation where we can help you protect your position.
Sometimes the next step will be to instruct us to represent you. Sometimes the next step may be to use our £99 Ask the Legal Expert service where we can review your particular circumstances on more detail, discuss your options with you and answer your questions and concerns – so you can plan your next steps.
Have a question or need some help? Call 0808 189 1949
Click here to get in touchContesting a will or inheritance FAQs
Applying for British citizenship is an option for some foreign nationals but as with any process, there are restrictions you need to know and be aware of. The specialist citizenship lawyers at QualitySolicitors make certain you are fully informed – so if you decide to proceed with your application you have the very best chance of a successful outcome.
Defending a will and your inheritance
After suffering bereavement it can be distressing if someone challenges the Will of the person who died or if people come forward claiming to be owed large sums of money – that they want to be paid before the estate can be distributed.
Failure to make reasonable provision
If a Will or the Intestacy Rules (that apply where there is no Will) leave people close to the person who died without sufficient money to get by there is a special type of claim that can be brought. They can claim for ‘reasonable financial provision'.
Forged will
A Will can be challenged where it can be shown it was a forgery. That could be because it is a false document or perhaps one having a faked signature.
Funding your case
Free Initial Assessment: With QualitySolicitors, our confidential telephone service means that it doesn’t cost you anything to speak to one of our expert lawyers to find out how we can help you.
Probate dispute – over how the estate is being distributed
The person or people appointed to distribute the property, land, money and possessions of the person who died are referred to as personal representatives. It can be quite a complicated job and they can be personally liable if they get it wrong.
Unfairly and unexpectedly left out of the Will
A Will can be challenged if it unfairly leaves someone out. There are 3 main types of claim that can be made when you are left out of a Will:
Will and inheritance dispute time limits
The earlier you take advice the better. The time limit that applies depends on the type of Will or inheritance claim that you have. Each case is different but the time limit can be as little as six months.
Will is not valid
A Will needs to comply with the rules for making a Will so that when the person making it dies it has legal force and is followed.
Will was made under pressure
The challenge to the Will might be because the person was pressurised into making the Will against their free will. The legal term is “undue influence”.
