News

Contesting a Will: Disputes over signing and executing a Will If you are involved in a dispute concerning the signing or execution of a Will then give our free legal helpline a call. Strict rules for signing and executing a Will must be followed. If these rules are not observed then Will… Read more
Does a beneficiary have a right to see estate accounts? If you are a residuary beneficiary and have been refused sight of the estate accounts, then contact our team of experts for guidance on your options. Inheritance lawyer, Naomi Ireson, looks at the circumstances in which a beneficiary has the… Read more
Broken promises: Contesting wills and estoppel For further guidance on contesting wills and estoppel contact our helpline. We offer a free case assessment service and no win, no fee funding. Call 0333 888 0409 or email us at info@contesting-wills.co.uk In this short article we summaries the legal position in… Read more
How to apply to become a ‘deputy’ In this article we take a brief look at how to apply to become a ‘deputy’. A deputy is appointed when a person lacks mental capacity and is unable to make a decisions for themselves. The lack of capacity can… Read more
The advantages of mediation in Will disputes We have a 95% success rate in achieving settlement at mediation, so if you would like to know more about the advantages of mediation in Will disputes then contact our free will dispute helpline. Call us for an independent assessment… Read more
Court Gives Judgment In Will Construction Claim Court decides on Will construction dispute involving a homemade Will. John Dickinson, a barrister at St John's Chambers, recently acted for the defendant in the Will construction case of Amiee Shannon Steed (a Child by her Litigation Friend, Marilyn Joy… Read more
What Happens if a Beneficiary Dies Before the Will Maker? If a beneficiary dies before the Will maker, who inherits? We offer a free 30 minute consultation with a specialist solicitor on any contested will case. We are often asked what happens when a person leaves a gift to someone in… Read more
Intestacy Rules and the Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014 Contentious Probate Solicitor, Chris Holten examines changes to the Intestacy Rules (which apply when someone dies without making a Will). Note: Since this article was first published there have been further legal changes to this area of law. For instance… Read more
Court of Protection Costs Contentious Probate Solicitor, Chris Holten, looks at Court of Protection costs. The Court of Protection was created under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It has jurisdiction over the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of people who lack mental capacity… Read more
All change for wills and intestacy? Note — August 2024: Since this article was first published there have been further legal changes to the intestacy rules. For instance the 'statutory legacy' has been increased from £250,000 to £322,000 as from 26 July 2023. It is therefore… Read more

Client Testimonials

“Executor dispute and contentious Will mediation”

I was in a difficult position with a co-executor that left the estate idle and Slee Blackwell were excellent in navigating a resolution to achieve the appointment of an independent PR. In addition my father’s Will was being challenged by one of the beneficiaries against the largest recipient of the estate and Naomi Ireson was very solid in her advice and helped to arrange a successful mediation. Naomi was ably assisted by Sharnie Jenkins in this matter.

“Expertise and Understanding”

I was tentative about making enquiries from Australia with a UK group of solicitors, Slee Blackwell, about a claim on a deceased estate there as an ex-spouse. Right from the get go I was treated with respect and expert advice with Kristi. Anya was instrumental in guiding me through the whole process and I was very impressed with her expertise and obvious knowledge of the situation. If I lived in the UK I wouldn’t hesitate to use this firm again. Thank you to Anya and her team.

“Positive experience”

I contacted Kristi regarding an inheritance matter and she was swift to respond and the issue, which has been ongoing for three years now, was immediately resolved. I highly recommend.

“Challenge to the validity of a will”

Unfortunately, I had to defend a challenge to the validity of my fathers will. Naomi Ireson, with the help of Sharnie Jenkins and the rest of the team were absolutely amazing. It was such a stressful time but Naomi had my back through it all, and pursued the case relentlessly. Her expertise and competence in her field is exemplary and I never once believed that there would be a problem. The team kept me informed at all times and were always easy to talk to. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

“Defending a claim made against Estate”

After receiving a claim against my late fathers estate, I was left feeling extremely anxious and frustrated. Chris was amazing, his knowledge and professionalism was impeccable. I immediately felt in safe hands and I received a prompt response to any queries I had. Sharnie was also amazing throughout the experience. I was so impressed with the service that I used Slee Blackwell for an eviction and conveyancing. I received outstanding service again. Thank you so much for relieving my stress, that is truly priceless!

“Contentious Probate – Establishing Paternity”

The brother of my grandfather died without children, and after a dispute with my family who said that I was not the son of my father, I read a very professional article written by Naomi Ireson that was very informative. I saw that I could ask some questions and her answer really helped. I later hired her and she resolved the accusation of my family. She is also very organized and is doing only what is necessary. Thank you for your work and to all the members of your team.

“Dispute – Breach of Trust”

I can’t express enough gratitude to Chris for his outstanding service over the past year. My case was especially challenging, but Chris handled it with compassion and the highest level of professionalism. The outcome was fantastic, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Chris’s expert advice and support. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone who is going through a difficult will dispute. Many thanks again Chris!

“Fantastic Solicitor”

Brontë, guided us through a very difficult time, and always gave the best advice even if it wasn’t what i always wanted to hear. I really appreciated her honesty,her knowledge and experience. I’d highly recommend

“Kind and Informative”

I emailed Kristi to ask some questions about contentious probate. She was very helpful and answered all my questions. Kristi followed up with me and I was able to ask further questions which really helped in my decision making process.

“Excellent”

Excellent advice and help with a complex probate issue. Advice was always timely and I was always kept well informed. I felt communication was always direct and friendly. Anya was always approachable, fair and quick to respond to questions and concerns. Would definitely return if future needs required legal advice or representation. Many thanks

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