News - Contesting Wills

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
Executor disputes are increasing We are highly experienced in dealing with executor disputes. For expert guidance contact our free helpline by phone or email. Statistics released by the High Court confirm that the number of claims against executors has trebled in the past year. Contentious… Read more
Changes to the law of intestacy – But do they go far enough? Will dispute lawyer Naomi Ireson considers changes to intestacy law We specialise in inheritance and intestacy law and operate a free inheritance law helpline. Call us in confidence on 0333 888 0409 or send an email to us at info@contestingwills.co.uk… Read more
‘Irrational Will’ leaving estate to charity declared Valid When is an 'irrational will' likely to be declared invalid? Contested wills Lawyer, Naomi Ireson, draws lessons from the court's decision in Vegetarian Society and Another v Scott. The case centred on the validity of a will made Mr Mr John… Read more
Court rules gift in Will is invalid Invalid gift in a Will: Our disputed Wills team report on a 'failed gift' contained in a Will A recent case involving an invalid gift in a Will has highlighted how complex the law can be. The dispute The case… Read more
Court Confirms Will Signed in Error is Valid The Supreme Court has adopted a pragmatic, ‘common-sense’ approach to an invalid Will dispute concerning a Will signed in error. The Invalid Will Claim The case of Marley v Rawlings and another involved two testators - Alfred and his wife Maureen… Read more
Solicitor’s Delay in Preparing a Will is Negligent Says Court Lee Dawkins, a solicitor specialising in negligent Will claims, reports on the recent case of ‘FELTHAM –v- BOUSKELL’ in which a solicitor was negligent for the delay in preparing a Will. The solicitor’s client, Hazel Charlton, was a woman in her 90s.… Read more
Challenging Solicitors’ Costs in probate and Estate Administration Challenging solicitors' costs in probate and estate administration. Since this article was originally published, the law has developed and the Court of Appeal has confirmed that a beneficiary has the right to challenge a solicitor's costs for administering an estate.… Read more
How to remove an executor We offer a free 30 minute consultation with a specialist solicitor on any contested will or executor dispute case. We are regularly contacted by people who are involved in an executor dispute. Executor disputes often result in a beneficiary wanting… 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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