When a will is challenged and disputes arise over a loved one’s estate, Burtons’ contentious probate solicitors in Chatham, Bexley, Pembury, Hailsham and Walderslade provide clear guidance and expert legal support to resolve inheritance disputes efficiently.
If you are challenging a will, facing a claim against an estate, dealing with an executor dispute, or considering an Inheritance Act claim, our experienced contentious probate lawyers offer sensitive and strategic support through complex family matters.
What Is Contentious Probate?
Contentious probate refers to legal disputes that arise during the administration of a deceased person’s estate. These disputes may involve disagreements about:
- The validity of a will
- The interpretation of a will
- The actions of executors or administrators
Contentious probate claims commonly include:
- Will validity disputes
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- Executor and administrator disputes
- Lack of testamentary capacity claims
- Undue influence claims
- Financial provision claims under the Inheritance Act
These matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex, often requiring specialist contentious probate solicitors.
At Burtons, we provide clear, practical advice to help resolve probate disputes as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
For probate and estate administration services, please contact our probate solicitors.
Reasons to Challenge a Will or Make a Contentious Probate Claim
There are several legal grounds for challenging a will or bringing a contentious probate claim. Our solicitors will assess your situation and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
Common grounds include:
- Invalid will – improper execution, forgery or fraud
- Lack of mental capacity – the deceased did not understand the will
- Undue influence – pressure placed on the deceased to change their will
- Executor disputes – concerns about delays, mismanagement or removal of executors
- Inheritance Act claims – insufficient financial provision for family members or dependants
How Our Contentious Probate Solicitors Can Help
Our contentious probate team supports clients with:
- Contested wills in relation to their existence and construction
- Inheritance Act claims where individuals believe they were promised an interest in an estate, have been unfairly treated, left out of a will, or left in financial difficulty where dependency needs to be protected
- Executor disputes concerning the administration of estates and the conduct of trustees where trusts have been established under a will
- The use of caveats to stop probate, freezing the granting of probate where there are reasonable grounds for dispute or further investigation
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and other cost-effective approaches to resolving probate disputes
- Court proceedings for inheritance disputes and disputes regarding the construction of a will
Contentious probate cases are heard in the Civil Courts, where a Judge considers all evidence before making a ruling on the validity or interpretation of a will.
We aim to resolve disputes at an early stage wherever possible, minimising stress, cost and delay.
Contentious Probate Costs
We work efficiently so that you can be confident that costs will be kept to a minimum wherever possible.
Some complex estates may be worth many millions of pounds. Our competitive hourly rates for both small and large estates ensure that cost estimates are provided at an early stage, particularly where ongoing advice and support may be required. This enables you and any other beneficiaries to plan and control legal costs effectively.
Our standard hourly rates are:
- Senior lawyers: £320 plus VAT
- Junior lawyers and trainee solicitors: £160 per hour plus VAT
In addition, there may be disbursements for:
- Anti-money laundering searches
- Land Registry searches
- Probate Registry searches
- Professional expert fees, such as specialist accountants
We provide clear cost information from the outset so you can make informed decisions.
Why Choose Burtons’ Contentious Probate Solicitors?
With any potential claim of this nature, time is of the essence. Strict time limits apply in many contentious probate matters, so it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you become aware of a potential issue.
Clients choose Burtons because we offer:
- Specialist contentious probate expertise
- Sensitive, client-focused support
- Clear and practical legal advice
- Strong dispute resolution and litigation experience
- Transparent pricing and communication
- Offices across Chatham, Bexley, Pembury, Hailsham and Walderslade
We understand that inheritance disputes are often deeply personal and stressful. Our goal is to provide expert guidance and resolve matters efficiently while protecting your interests.
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