Left out of a Will? Know your rights under the Inheritance Act
Left out of a will? Discover your rights under the Inheritance Act, who can claim, and what steps to take to secure fair financial provision.
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Disputes over the administration of an estate, otherwise known as contentious probate, can be legally complicated and emotionally painful, especially when they involve close family members or trusted individuals.
Whether you are a beneficiary who feels left in the dark, an executor accused of mismanaging an estate, or someone who has been excluded entirely, contentious probate matters require both sensitivity and strength.
At Flint Bishop, our specialist probate dispute solicitors help individuals and families throughout England and Wales to resolve a wide range of probate disputes. From disagreements over the role of executors to disputes about the interpretation of a Will or the distribution of assets, we provide strategic, realistic advice at every stage.
We recognise the emotional strain these situations place on everyone involved. That’s why we work to resolve matters quickly and amicably wherever possible through negotiation, early communication, or formal mediation. However, when litigation is required, our experienced team is fully equipped to represent you robustly in court to protect your interests.
To speak with one of our expert probate dispute lawyers in confidence, call us today on 0330 123 9501 or complete our contact form. We are here to support you.
Want to speak to us now? Call us on 0330 123 9501.
Probate disputes
An estate administration dispute is a form of contentious probate that arises when conflict occurs during the process of managing someone’s estate after death. These disputes often centre around how the estate is being handled, whether executors are fulfilling their duties correctly, whether beneficiaries are being treated fairly, or whether someone has been excluded altogether.
Some of the most common causes of probate disputes include:
Probate disputes
Flint Bishop is one of the most experienced firms in England and Wales for contentious probate and estate administration disputes. We are trusted by clients nationally to resolve emotionally and financially significant matters with care, clarity, and authority.
Clients choose Flint Bishop for our technical expertise and our commitment to delivering clear, practical advice during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Whether you are defending your actions as an executor or administrator, challenging the fairness of a distribution, or dealing with a stalled or contested estate, we bring the knowledge, strategic insight, and emotional understanding needed to guide you toward the best possible outcome.
We believe every dispute deserves a thoughtful and personalised response. With a proven ability to resolve matters out of court and the strength to represent clients at the highest level, Flint Bishop stands apart as a leading firm for estate administration disputes.
Probate disputes
At Flint Bishop, we help clients resolve probate disputes and estate administration conflicts with clarity, compassion, and legal precision. Whether you’re involved in a claim as a beneficiary, executor, or third party, we understand that contentious probate matters often arise during times of grief, stress, and uncertainty.
Our aim is to resolve disputes efficiently and sensitively while protecting your position every step of the way. We listen carefully to your concerns, provide clear advice on your legal options, and work with you to achieve a fair outcome, whether through early negotiation or decisive court action.
Probate disputes
Estate administration disputes can arise for many reasons, often at a time when families are grieving and tensions are already high. Whether concerns are raised about how the estate is being handled, or questions are asked about the meaning of a Will or entitlement to an inheritance, these matters require expert guidance and a calm, strategic approach.
At Flint Bishop, we assist clients in resolving all types of estate administration disputes. Below are some of the most common forms of dispute that can arise. Each reflects a unique set of legal and emotional challenges, and in each case, our team provides practical, client-focused advice to help resolve the issues as efficiently and sensitively as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contentious probate refers to legal disputes that arise after someone has died, typically involving disagreements over their Will, the distribution of their estate, or the conduct of those administering it. Common examples include claims that a Will is invalid, disputes between executors and beneficiaries, or conflicts over inheritance rights. It is a specialised area of law that often requires court intervention if matters cannot be resolved informally.
Yes. If you believe an executor is mismanaging the estate, such as causing delays, mismanaging funds, or acting in their own interest, you may be able to apply to the court for their removal or seek directions.
Possibly. If you were financially dependent on the deceased or have a close relationship with them, you may be able to claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We will assess your circumstances and explain your options clearly.
You can apply to the court to remove or replace an executor or administrator if you believe they are not fulfilling their legal duties or are acting improperly. This is a serious step, and legal advice is essential to assess whether the court is likely to intervene.
Yes. Executors are often required to respond to claims brought under the Inheritance Act or challenges to the Will. We regularly advise and represent executors in defending such claims, ensuring they comply with their duties while protecting the estate.
If an executor delays or refuses to apply for probate, other parties such as co-executors or beneficiaries, may be able to apply to the court to compel action or appoint someone else. This situation can cause unnecessary delay, and we can advise on how to take appropriate steps to move the estate forward.
Usually, yes. If a dispute has been raised, personal representatives should pause distribution until the matter is resolved, to avoid personal liability. If you are concerned about premature distributions, we can take urgent steps to protect your position.
The time limit depends on the type of claim. For Inheritance Act claims, the limit is six months from the Grant of Probate. Other disputes, such as fraud or executor removal, may have different timeframes. Early legal advice is essential to avoid missing your opportunity.
Testimonial
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sam for her long and stustained hard work, professionalism and friendship, in bringing this case to a satisfactory conclusion. You have given us our lives back.
Private Dispute Client
“Sundeep Sandhu gives her clients confidence through her calm and reassuring manner. I greatly valued how easy it was to work with her and how confident I could be that the clients had been given realistic and forthright advice.”
“Sundeep Sandhu is an excellent lawyer. She is analytical, organised, and a pleasure to work with. What distinguishes Sundeep from competitors is her responsiveness and her ability quickly to comprehend complex issues and to get the heart of what will determine the case.”
“I have dealt with William Harper and he has been exceptional in keeping me informed on the relevant issues as they have occurred and fully explaining the steps needed to resolve them. I would not hesitate in using William again should the need arise in the future.”
“Flint Bishop has always supported me in terms of legalities. Always there for me, by considering my needs and situation sympathetically.”
“The department provides an excellent service for clients and is competitive with leading London commercial litigation firms within its practice areas, particularly in insurance disputes. It has a strong client focus and combines solid legal analysis with a pragmatic approach to resolving disputes.”
“Sundeep Sandhu has been supportive, informative but made us feel important to her to resolve the concerns.”
“Sundeep Sandhu has been invaluable to us in our recent dispute. She answered any queries very quickly and clearly. Sundeep timed her decisions over taking our case to court brilliantly. She is very thorough, and we felt very safe under her guidance. We cannot recommend her highly enough.”
“The firm was very professional and supportive in a very sensitive issue. They gave realistic advice on what could be achieved. All the team have been very friendly and helpful whether it be face to face, by telephone or by email usually responding very quickly.”
“Flint Bishop routinely acts on tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, and it also covers wills, estate administration, probate, trusts, Court of Protection and elderly client matters. Led by Claire Rudkin, the practice is increasingly active in cross-border matters and represents business owners, entrepreneurs and farmers, among others.”
“Flint Bishop was recommended to me to assist me in dealing with a contentious will issue. I found the firm to be very helpful, experienced and at the top of their respective professional disciplines. I could not have achieved the final outcome without them going that extra mile to deliver a satisfactory outcome. I have been very satisfied and would not hesitate to recommend the firm in the future.”
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If you are involved in a dispute about the administration of an estate, whether as an executor under pressure, a beneficiary with concerns, or a family member excluded from the process, speaking to a specialist solicitor at an early stage can make a significant difference. These matters fall under the area of contentious probate, and resolving them effectively requires both legal expertise and sensitive handling.
At Flint Bishop, our experienced probate dispute solicitors provide clear, practical advice and strong representation in all types of estate administration disputes. Whether your case involves delays in probate, disagreements over the distribution of assets, or questions about the appointment or conduct of executors and administrators, we are here to help, and move toward resolution.
We regularly advise clients from our Derby, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, and York offices. We also act for clients nationally in London, Manchester, Bradford, Hull, Harrogate, Doncaster, Wakefield and Nottingham, often advising international clients with estate disputes involving assets or proceedings in England and Wales.
We understand how overwhelming these matters can feel. That’s why we take the time to explain your options in plain English, provide ongoing support, and act swiftly to safeguard your interests. Whether you are seeking urgent action or simply need clarity on where you stand, we are here to guide you.
To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our contentious probate specialists, please call us on 0330 123 9501, email us, or complete the enquiry form below. We will respond promptly and are ready to support you
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Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.
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