Doncaster Contentious Probate Solicitor

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Doncaster Contentious Probate Solicitor

For peace of mind

Dealing with a dispute over a will or inheritance is one of the most difficult things a family can face, especially during a time of grief. At Switalskis, our specialist contentious probate solicitors in Doncaster can help to guide you through. We'll take the time to discuss your needs, answer any questions and advise you on the best way to achieve your goals while preserving relationships between friends and family members wherever possible.

Whether you have concerns about a will's validity, feel you’ve been unfairly left out or disagree with how an executor is managing the estate, it can be emotional and sometimes daunting to try to put things right. Switalskis provides clear, empathetic legal support based on years of expertise to help you understand your options. We’ll explain everything simply so you can make confident decisions, and take on the responsibility for administration during the legal process so you can focus on your family.

If you need advice on a probate matter, our contentious probate specialists can help. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website for an initial consultation.

There are various types of contentious probate matters we deal with:

For further information about our services or free legal advice with no obligation, contact Switalskis today. Call us on 01302 320621 or contact us through the website.

Contact our Doncaster office

Switalskis Solicitors Ltd
In the DB Cargo Building
Lakeside Business Park
Carolina Way
Doncaster
DN4 5PN

How to find us in Doncaster

If approaching by car from junction 3 of the M18, our office is approximately 1 mile along the dual carriageway, on the right. We are diagonally opposite the Lakeside Shopping Outlet. You can reach us by bus or taxi from Doncaster Station and Interchange, it is a 5 minute journey. We are located within the DB Cargo Building.

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Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

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How Switalskis can help

Contentious probate is the term for any dispute about how a deceased person’s estate - their money, property and possessions - is handled. Switalskis handles a full range of contested probate issues and our services are designed to give you peace of mind that the management of a loved one's estate is handled in accordance with the law after their death.

When you contact our Doncaster office, we’ll take the time to discuss your concerns and understand what you want to achieve. Then, we'll offer our professional opinion on your legal position, whether you wish to challenge the validity of a will, defend one against a legal challenge or have concerns about an executor. Where possible, we will assist you to resolve disputes amicably, without taking matters to court. We can also support clients to make claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they have not been left a fair inheritance in the person's will.

Throughout the process, our contentious probate solicitors will manage the legal side of your case and offer advice tailored to your circumstances and objectives, so you do not feel overwhelmed by legal challenges in your time of grief. We can also ensure you understand the potential consequences of your actions. For example, if the court finds a will is invalid, any previous valid will made by the person will take effect. If there is no other valid will, the estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules, which set out who inherits when there are no valid wills. As such, it is important to seek expert legal support before taking any action against someone's will or estate.

To find out how we can help, call us today on 0800 1380 458, or reach out to us via our website.

Can anyone challenge a will?

Only specific parties can challenge a deceased person's will, and only on specific legal grounds. If a will does not fulfil the necessary legal formalities, or there is a possibility that any of the following apply, a family member or beneficiary may have grounds to challenge it.

  • The person didn’t have the mental capacity to understand what they were doing when they made the will.
  • The person was subject to undue influence, meaning that they were pressured or coerced into making the will against their true wishes.
  • The will wasn’t signed or witnessed correctly.
  • The person did not know or approve of the contents of the will when they signed it.
  • The will has been subject to forgery.

This is not a comprehensive list of the grounds for challenging a will. The Doncaster contentious probate solicitors at Switalskis can discuss your concerns and outline your legal options if you have concerns about a loved one's will.

Can I claim for financial provision?

Even if a will is valid, the law recognises that certain people should be provided for. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows spouses, children, cohabitees, and other dependants to ask the court for reasonable financial provision from the estate if the will fails to provide it. Switalskis can offer our Doncaster clients guidance on what constitutes "reasonable" financial provision, and assist them through the process of making a claim where possible.

Are there time limits for inheritance disputes?

Strict time limits apply to some contentious probate claims. A claim for financial provision must be made within six months of the grant of probate being issued. For other types of will disputes, there is generally no official time limit but it’s always best to act quickly before the estate’s assets are distributed. You should seek advice from a solicitor as soon as you have concerns.

Why Switalskis?

You need a solicitor you can trust. At our Doncaster office, we provide expert legal support with a compassionate approach, and have supported many clients in the local area and across Yorkshire with a service based on four key principles.

Clarity in complexity

Probate law can be complicated, but we're committed to making it simple. Our experienced contentious probate solicitors explain legal issues in a straightforward way, so you always know what to expect.

Empathy at every step

We know that inheritance disputes are emotional, especially when they involve a close family member. Our team will support you with compassion and understanding.

Expertise you can trust

With a proven track record of handling complex contested probate cases successfully, you can rely on our contentious probate lawyers in Doncaster to provide solid, dependable advice and work to resolve your legal concerns efficiently.

Championing your rights

Whether you are making a claim for the provision you are entitled to or defending an estate, we’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and making sure your rights are upheld and recognised at all stages of the process.

Our contentious probate team

Headshot of Sandra Kowalska
Sandra KowalskaContentious Probate Senior Associate Solicitor
Photo of Kelsey Jones
Kelsey JonesParalegal
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Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you're based in Doncaster and need legal advice about an inheritance dispute or contesting a will, our helpful contentious probate team is here to support you.

Give Switalskis a call on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website to find out more about how we can help.

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