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Time Limits for Contesting a Will in the UK

When you are grieving, deadlines are rarely front of mind. Yet when it comes to contesting a will, time limits can be critical. Missing a deadline can limit your options or prevent a claim altogether. Our role is to explain the relevant time limits clearly, help you understand where you stand, and act quickly where needed, without adding unnecessary pressure.

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How long do you have to contest a will?

Different types of will disputes are subject to different time limits. Some run from the date of death, others from the grant of probate, and some depend on when you became aware of an issue. Understanding which applies to your situation is essential before deciding what to do next.

Probate has already been granted

You have only recently learned about the contents of the will, but probate has already been issued and you are worried that it may now be too late to challenge what has happened.

You are considering an Inheritance Act claim

Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 usually must be issued within six months of the grant of probate, and extensions are not guaranteed.

You suspect undue influence or lack of capacity

Concerns about how the will was made often take time to surface. Delay does not always prevent a claim, but early advice is important to protect your position.

Estate assets may be distributed

Once assets are distributed, recovering them can become more complex. Acting promptly can help preserve the estate while concerns are investigated.

You feel under pressure to decide quickly

You may feel rushed or uncertain about whether to act at all. Understanding the relevant deadlines can give you clarity and control, even if you are not ready to proceed immediately.

Time Limit Advice Services

We provide focused advice tailored to your situation, whether time is tight or simply unclear.

Inheritance Act time limits

We advise on the six-month deadline following probate, assess whether extensions may be possible, and act quickly where urgent steps are required.

Will validity challenges

Claims involving capacity, undue influence, or lack of knowledge and approval may not have strict statutory deadlines, but delay can still affect evidence and outcomes.

Urgent estate protection

Where necessary, we can advise on steps to prevent distribution of estate assets while concerns are investigated.

Early case assessment

We help you understand whether time limits affect the strength or viability of your claim before you commit to formal action.

William Cook

Associate Solicitor

Speak to our solicitors to understand your deadlines and next steps.

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Understanding the Importance of Timely Will Contests

It is fundamentally important to establish the correct time limit at the outset of any claim. There are a number of possible time limits in probate and inheritance claims, which will depend upon the individual circumstances of each case.

How Long Do You Have to Contest a Will?

Generally speaking, in claims to challenge the validity of a Will, there is no time limit. However, if a person delays in bringing their claim then the court may hold that as a result of this delay the person is no longer entitled to bring the claim. Further the court may strike out a claim if it is “frivolous or vexatious or is for other reasons an abuse of process”.

In claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, the time limit is six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. The court does have power to extend the time limit, however it would be necessary to for the applicant to establish sufficient grounds to take the case outset the general rule. It must be just and proper for the court to exercise its discretion to extend the time.
In certain other limited probate actions (mainly those brought by beneficiaries), the time limit to bring a claim is 12 years.

Defending a Will contest – Benefits of Consulting with Experienced Will Contesting Lawyers at Mullis & Peake:

Having a Will is important if you die without a will, the Intestacy Rules say how the money, property or possessions should be allocated. When a person dies the executors must administer the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will. It is not uncommon for individuals, family members and others to challenge a Will if they feel they’ve been excluded from the Will.

In all such instances, the importance of seeking expert legal support at the earliest possible stage cannot be overstated.

Why choose Mullis & Peake

Questions around time limits often come at an emotionally difficult moment. We focus on clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps.

Experienced wills dispute solicitors

Our Wills and Probate team regularly advises on time-sensitive disputes, including urgent applications to protect estates and preserve claims where deadlines are approaching

Clear, plain-English advice

We explain time limits and risks without legal jargon, so you understand what matters now, what can wait, and what options remain open to you.

Calm, proportionate action

Not every concern requires immediate court action. We help you balance urgency with proportionality, avoiding unnecessary steps while ensuring your position is protected.

Local Essex presence

We act for families across Essex, offering steady, confidential guidance during what is often a stressful and uncertain period.