Contentious Probate Solicitors Wakefield
When you're coming to terms with the death of a loved one, a dispute over a will or inheritance can add strain during an incredibly difficult period. Emotions run high, disagreements can escalate and disappointed family members often find it difficult to work through sensitive issues without leaving a lasting impact on family relationships. At Switalskis, our contentious probate solicitors in Wakefield understand how personal these disputes can be. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions and give you clear guidance on the best course for your situation.
Our Wakefield team advises clients on a wide range of contentious probate matters, including concerns about undue influence, disputes about estate administration, disagreements involving estate accounts or questions about an executor acting improperly. Our expert guidance is grounded in significant experience and an understanding of the sensitivity these cases demand. We'll take on the administration and take responsibility for the legal aspect of your case so you can focus on your loved ones during this difficult time.
If you need expert legal advice about the deceased’s estate, call the contentious probate specialists at Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch through our enquiry form for a free initial consultation.
If you need advice on a probate matter, our probate specialists can help. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website for an initial consultation.
Our office is within easy reach of Wakefield's railway stations. It's easy to find and is a short walk from Wakefield Museum on Cheapside.
Our office is within easy reach of Wakefield's railway stations. It's easy to find and is a short walk from Wakefield Museum on Cheapside.
Contentious probate refers to any dispute about how a deceased person’s estate is managed or distributed. This may involve disagreements about wills, the legality of certain documents, the behaviour of an executor, or a claim for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The experienced team at Switalskis offers clear guidance to help you resolve disputes and understand your legal position so you feel supported at every stage.
When you contact our Wakefield office, we’ll discuss your concerns and outline your options. Depending on the situation, this may include mediation, raising a claim, asking the court to intervene in the probate process or seeking to protect your interest in the estate. If you have been left out of a will and were financially dependent on the person who has died, we can advise on Inheritance Act claims and how the court views reasonable provision.
We’ll also talk you through how different outcomes may affect the estate. If a court decides that a will is not valid, for example, an earlier will might apply instead. When no earlier will exists, the estate must be shared according to the intestacy rules, which set out who inherits in strict terms. For this reason, getting expert legal support at an early stage will give you a clearer picture of what any action against a will or estate may involve.
There are clear legal grounds on which a will can be contested. If any of the following may have occurred, a family member or beneficiary may be able to challenge the document:
This list is not exhaustive. If you believe any of these issues may apply, contact our Wakefield team. We can explain your legal position and guide the steps you need to take to resolve the dispute.
In some cases, even a valid will may be challenged if it does not make reasonable provision for certain individuals. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 provides a route to make a claim for reasonable financial provision from the person’s estate. These claims can be made by spouses, children, cohabiting partners or anyone financially dependent on the person who has died. We can advise our Wakefield clients on matters related to inheritance, the criteria applied by the court and what evidence is needed to support your claim.
Claimants seeking financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 must issue their claim within six months of the grant of probate. Other types of disputes do not have a strict deadline, but acting quickly before assets are distributed is important. For that reason, you should seek legal assistance as soon as become aware that you won’t be receiving any inheritance.
Challenging a will after probate is more difficult, but is still possible in certain circumstances, such as if new evidence about a person's mental capacity, suspicions of undue influence or questions around the way a document was prepared come to light.
These disputes can disrupt the estate administration process and have significant implications for estate accounts. If assets have been distributed, it can be more challenging to recover any inheritance you may be owed following a successful challenge, so it's important to act swiftly by speaking to our contentious probate solicitors. We can explain the implications, the likely costs and your available options.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.
Switalskis provides expert legal support delivered with compassion. Our Wakefield team has helped many clients in Yorkshire, and we work hard to uphold the following core principles that shape our service:
Probate law can feel confusing, especially when you’re coping with grief or tension within the family. Our Wakefield team provides clear, straightforward guidance and breaks down the legal process into clear terms, so you always understand the process and your available options.
We recognise how personal these disputes can be. You’ll receive a professional service delivered with care, respect and an understanding of the emotions that often arise when dealing with a deceased person’s estate.
With experience across a wide range of contentious probate issues, including complex disputes about executors, wills, assets and inheritance, our solicitors offer dependable advice grounded in years of practice.
Whether you need to defend a will, dispute its validity, or protect your interest in the estate, we’ll work to secure the best possible outcome and make sure your voice is heard during the legal process.
If you’re based in Wakefield and need advice about probate, inheritance claims or disputes involving a loved one’s estate, our team is here to assist. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our enquiry form to speak with our experienced solicitors and get the support you need.