Contesting a Will
With offices across Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, including Lincoln, Grimsby and Hull, our professional and caring solicitors can help.
Contesting a Will Solicitors
At Bridge McFarland LLP, our experienced Wills solicitors can help with various Wills disputes, including challenging the validity of a Will.
There are strict requirements for a Will to be considered valid, and there are various grounds on which its validity can be challenged. These include forgery, invalid execution, lack of mental capacity or undue influence over the testator.
The aftermath of a loved one’s death is difficult, and the thought of contesting a Will can add extra stress and uncertainty. However, if you believe you have grounds to challenge the validity of a Will, it is essential to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible.
Our experienced Contesting a Will solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP understand what a sensitive time it is and will support you at every stage.
For more information about contesting a Will or to speak to one of our solicitors in Hull, Lincoln, Louth, Brigg, Anlaby, Market Rasen, Scarborough and Grimsby, call Bridge McFarland LLP on 0800 987 8800 or email wills@bmcf.co.uk.
Solicitor for Contesting a Will in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire
For a Will to be valid, it must meet specific criteria set out under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
It is possible to contest the validity of a Will on various grounds. A Will might be considered invalid if:
- The Will has been forged or is fraudulent.
- The deceased came under ‘undue influence’ when writing the Will.
- The deceased lacked testamentary capacity at the time of drafting their Will.
- The Will was not properly signed or witnessed.
- The deceased didn’t know and approve the contents of their Will.
A Will may be challenged as invalid if it does not meet one of the requirements. If you think a Will is invalid, it is important to get professional legal advice from a specialist Wills solicitor at an early stage so they can start investigating the claim.
Although there is no time limit on contesting an invalid Will, any delay may mean that an executor starts distributing assets before it is resolved, meaning you could lose out entirely.
Bridge McFarland LLP’s contentious probate solicitors will guide you through the process of challenging an invalid Will to ensure it runs smoothly and the outcome is in your best interests.
To speak to one of our solicitors with experience contesting a Will in Lincoln, Louth, Hull, Market Rasen, Scarborough and Grimsby, call 0800 987 8800.
Our Contesting a Will Services
Challenging the validity of a Will can be complex and emotionally charged. Our specialist contentious probate solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP are hugely experienced in bringing challenges based on testamentary capacity, proving undue influence in Will contests, and contesting a Will on other grounds.
Our conciliatory approach to dispute resolution means we prefer to resolve Will disputes through mediation wherever possible.
Our solicitors in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire are skilled negotiators who aim to resolve any disputes about the validity of a Will quickly and cost-effectively.
For disputes where contesting a Will requires court action, our experienced dispute resolution team will provide robust representation in court to secure the best possible outcome.
To speak to one of our friendly and experienced solicitors in Scarborough, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, Market Rasen and Grimsby about contesting the validity of a Will, call 0800 987 8800 or make an online enquiry.
Funding Arrangements for Trusts and Wills Dispute Claims
In appropriate cases, we will share the risk with you through flexible and innovative funding arrangements, including:
- Conditional fee agreements (CFAs) (also known as “no win, no fee” agreements).
- Discounted CFAs (also known as “no win, low fee” agreements).
- Fixed and capped fees.
- Competitive hourly rate charges.
- Legal expenses (“after-the-event” or “ATE”) insurance to cover the risk of having to pay costs to the other side (and your own expenses) if your claim is unsuccessful.
- Disbursement funding for expenses such as court fees and expert’s fees.
Private Client Legal Services
The team of private client solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP offer a range of services relating to your Will and Estate, including:
- Drafting and amending a Will
- Estate Planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Trusts
- Inheritance Tax
- Statutory Wills
- Deputyships and Court of Protection
- Probate and Letters of Administration
- Elderly Client
Dispute Resolution Services
Our experienced and friendly team of lawyers can also provide specialist advice on various contentious matters and disputes, such as:
- Inheritance Act Claims
- Intestacy estates
- Defending a Will dispute claim
- Property and Assets disputes
- Estate administration and Executor disputes
- Applications to remove or replace Executors or Administrators
- Claims made against Executors or Administrator
- Professional negligence in the drafting of a Will
- Trusts disputes
- Court of Protection disputes
Other Legal Services
Bridge McFarland LLP offers uncomplicated guidance and advice when you most need it. Whatever your legal matter, relating to your private wealth or otherwise, speak to our team of friendly solicitors.
To speak to one of our solicitors in Lincoln, Louth, Brigg, Anlaby, Hull, Market Rasen, Grimsby and Scarborough today, please call 0800 987 8800 or make an online enquiry.
Find a Contesting a Will Solicitor Near You
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get legal aid to contest a Will?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer legal aid for Wills, Trusts, or Probate matters at Bridge McFarland LLP.
Why should I use a solicitor for my will?
While it is not a legal requirement to be a solicitor to write a Will, having the right knowledge and expertise is essential to ensure it is done correctly. Even small errors can make your Will invalid, or at the very least cause unnecessary complications for those left behind.
Our private client solicitors will prepare a Will that accurately reflects your wishes and circumstances, as well as making sure it’s signed correctly. They will also provide expert legal advice and support and guidance tailored to your individual needs.
How can Bridge McFarland help me with a Will, Trust or Probate dispute?
If you are involved in a Trust or Probate dispute, Bridge McFarland’s solicitors can provide expert advice and representation to help resolve the matter effectively. Disputes over a Will can be complex and emotionally charged, often involving challenges to the validity of a Will, disputes over the interpretation of the Will, or claims that the Will does not adequately provide for certain beneficiaries. Our dispute resolution team is experienced in handling all types of Will disputes, including challenging the validity of a Will, Inheritance Act claims, and executor and beneficiary disputes. Our solicitors aim to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently, often through mediation. However, if necessary, we are fully prepared to represent your interests in court.
How can Bridge McFarland help me with Lasting Powers of Attorney or Court of Protection matters?
Bridge McFarland’s Hull solicitors offer expert guidance and support for those who are looking to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) or require assistance with Deputyships and Court of Protection matters. These services are vital in ensuring that your wishes are respected and that your affairs are managed by trusted individuals if you become unable to do so yourself. Our Hull-based team can assist with:
LPAs: We provide advice on setting up LPAs, whether for property and financial affairs or health and welfare decisions.
Court of Protection: If a loved one cannot make decisions for themselves and hasn’t set up an LPA, we can help you apply to the Court of Protection for the authority to make decisions on their behalf.
Deputyship Applications: We assist with applying to become a deputy if you need to manage the affairs of someone who lacks mental capacity.
Our Hull solicitors understand the sensitive nature of these matters and are committed to providing compassionate and professional support throughout the process.
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