Contentious Probate

Contentious probate is a specialist area of law. Whilst contentious probate can result in High Court litigation, there are specific rules that govern contentious probate before and after the issuing of proceedings. Accordingly, someone that finds themselves in need of a contentious probate solicitor should instruct a specialist and not just either a commercial litigator or a private client solicitor. Instructing a solicitor who is not a contentious probate specialist could be extremely detrimental to the progress of a claim.

Find out more by giving Hollam Solicitors a call.

What’s Involved?

Contentious Probate occurs when there are disputes arising out of someone’s estate after they have passed away.

No two scenarios are ever the same, and so it may be appropriate to consider contentious probate action in various different circumstances. Some common scenarios are set out below:

Someone has passed away leaving a Will that is suspicious due to its content, timing and/or choice of executor
Someone’s estate has been depleted before they passed away by someone other than the deceased, meaning the estate is less valuable than expected
You were expecting to inherit on the deceased’s death but have not been included as a beneficiary in their Will or only to a lesser extent than you anticipated
You were promised some inheritance but the deceased passed away leaving a testamentary document that does not benefit you
You were in receipt of financial support from the deceased before their death but do not benefit on their death
You are named as the executor of a Will, but there is a dispute with your co-executor or the beneficiaries
There is a dispute as to the occupation or sale of the deceased’s property

These are just a few common scenarios that contentious probate solicitors will deal with on a daily basis. They are though by no means a comprehensive and exhaustive list, as disputes relating to a deceased’s estate can take many forms.

Over 20 years legal experience.

This is the second time we've used Hollam Solicitors and Deborah as our appointed solicitor. The process was easy to understand and very helpful when needed extra advice. Very friendly and efficient. Will definitely be recommending as most people would prefer to do from home and we were able to do this.

One of a few solicitors who took part in the Will Aid scheme. Local to me so easy to access them. Friendly and approachable from the start, face to face meetings which I prefer to online business.

Received a great service from Deborah Schmieder with regard to the preparation and registration of our Wills. I can highly recommend Hollam Solicitors for the service given and their friendly approach.

The whole process was straightforward, smooth and timely. Debbie's manner was friendly and approachable throughout, and all our questions were answered clearly and concisely. Based on our experience we would not hesitate to recommend Hollam Solicitors to our friends.

Defence Claims

If someone finds themselves defending a claim against an estate, they should obtain specialist, independent legal advice as a matter of urgency and not try and deal with it themselves. It could be a false economy if they try and deal with it themselves. You may save costs initially but then may face a higher legal bill later on when the solicitor has to unpick the action taken and start again. Further, any action that they take without reference to a solicitor could be extremely damaging and could leave themselves open to criticism. For example, an executor who distributes an estate despite being on notice of a claim being advanced against it.

Contact Hollam Solicitors Today

If you wish to discuss a potential contentious probate and need advice as to which way to proceed, then please do contact us. We offer a no obligation initial chat to clarify the circumstances and assist you in moving forward and deciding next steps.

01984 390037

Call us today to discuss your options

info@hollamsolicitors.co.uk

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