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Contesting a Will Solicitors Essex
When a Will does not reflect what you expected, the situation can feel deeply unsettling. If you believe a Will is unfair, invalid, or fails to provide for you properly, specialist legal advice can help you understand your position and your options.
Are you unsure whether a Will can be challenged?
Disputes over Wills often arise at an already difficult time. You may feel shocked by the contents of a Will, concerned that promises were not honoured, or anxious about your financial security following a bereavement. These situations are more common than many people realise, particularly where family relationships are complex or circumstances changed late in life.
Our Will dispute solicitors help clients across Essex understand whether there are genuine legal grounds to contest a Will, what evidence may be needed, and how best to protect their position from the outset.
Financial Dependence Ignored
You were financially dependent on the deceased but left with little or nothing
Unfulfilled Promises
You were promised property or assets that are not reflected in the Will
Wishes Not Reflected
The Will does not appear to reflect the deceased’s true wishes.
Undue Influence Concerns
You suspect undue influence or pressure was involved.
Time and Cost Worries
You are worried about time limits, costs, or doing the wrong thing.
Guidance on contesting a Will
What does contesting a Will mean?
Contesting a Will, sometimes called a Will dispute or contentious probate, is the legal process of challenging the validity, interpretation, or effect of a Will, or bringing a claim against an estate or trust. This can involve questioning whether the Will itself is valid, or whether the law requires different provision to be made.
We act for both individuals bringing claims and for executors or beneficiaries defending the validity of a Will, ensuring balanced, informed advice in every case.
Grounds for contesting a Will
A Will may be challenged for several reasons, including:
- Lack of mental capacity where the deceased was not of sound mind when making the Will
- Undue influence, where pressure or coercion affected the deceased’s decisions
- Lack of knowledge or approval of the Will’s contents
- Invalid execution, including errors in signing or witnessing
- Mistakes in the Will or improper estate administration
- Failure to make reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act
Each case turns on its own facts. We will help you assess whether your concerns are legally actionable, rather than simply understandable.
Timing, evidence, and next steps
Time limits apply to many Will disputes, and delay can reduce your options. In some cases, it is possible to contest a Will after probate has been granted, but this is often more complex and may involve assets that have already been distributed.
Evidence is central to any claim. This may include previous Wills, medical and care records, witness statements, and documents showing financial dependence or promises made. Acting early allows evidence to be preserved and options to remain open.
Martyn Trenerry
Consultant
Schedule a call to discuss a contested Will and understand your options.
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Why choose Mullis & Peake
Will disputes require sensitivity as well as legal clarity. Our Will Disputes team provides measured, practical advice, helping you make informed decisions rather than rushing into action.
Clear assessment of your options
Honest advice about prospects, risks, and proportionality from the outset.
Experience with sensitive family matters
An understanding of the emotional and relational impact of disputes.
Practical dispute resolution focus
Exploring negotiation and settlement before formal proceedings where appropriate.
Local, trusted solicitors
Based in Essex, offering continuity and a personal approach throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Contested Will disputes often arise where there are concerns about the validity of a Will, unexpected changes, or whether the deceased’s true wishes were reflected. Our experienced contentious probate solicitors provide clear, practical guidance on whether a Will can be challenged, what evidence is required, and how disputes can be resolved fairly and proportionately.
Each case is assessed on its individual facts. Potential claimants may include beneficiaries, individuals promised an inheritance, people who have been disinherited, dependants of the deceased, and others affected by the terms of the Will or a previous Will.
Yes, it is possible to contest a Will after probate has been granted, but the process can be more complicated. Ideally, concerns should be raised before assets are distributed. If probate has already been granted, we can still advise on whether a claim is viable and what steps may be available.
Evidence depends on the grounds of challenge but may include medical records, care notes, witness statements, previous Wills, correspondence, and financial records. Independent third-party evidence can be particularly important, especially where verbal promises or capacity issues are involved.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the dispute, the evidence available, and whether the parties are willing to negotiate. Each party usually pays their own legal costs initially. Executors may be able to recover costs from the estate where they act neutrally. We provide early cost assessments and discuss funding options openly.
If a case proceeds to court, the general rule is that costs follow the event, meaning the unsuccessful party may be ordered to pay costs. However, the court has discretion, particularly in family disputes. Executors acting neutrally may seek reimbursement of reasonable costs from the estate.
Legal aid may be available in limited circumstances for individuals on very low incomes. However, we do not offer legal aid funding for Will disputes. We will always discuss alternative funding options and cost management at an early stage.
If you relied on a promise that has not been honoured, there may be grounds for a claim, such as under the Inheritance Act or through other equitable remedies. These cases are highly fact-specific and benefit from early legal advice.
Get in touch with our Will Dispute Solicitors team
If you are thinking about making or updating a Will, our solicitors can offer clear, confidential advice and guide you through the process at a pace that suits you.
Specialist Wills dispute expertise
– Dedicated solicitors with deep experience resolving disputes over Will validity, interpretation and inheritance claims.
Fast, confidential advice
– Clear guidance when you need it most.
No-obligation consultation
– Understand your options before you decide.
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Latest insights and news
Insights
Guidance provided on validity of Pandemic Wills
The case of Coady v Coady (PT-2023-BHM-000025, concerned a legal dispute over the validity of a Will made by Kathleen Bernadette Coady in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
William Cook
Associate Solicitor
Aaron Burkett
Dispute Resolution Solicitor
Esra Dogan
Associate Solicitor