Contest a Will Solicitors

As wills, trusts and probate solicitors, we wish everyone would make a will. Unfortunately, even when they do, the will doesn’t always make it clear what the deceased person wanted or intended.

People can have widely differing views of what the deceased person meant. Or, you may have concerns over the validity of the will. It can come as a bit of a shock if you realise that the deceased person’s will isn’t what you were expecting, perhaps due to a previous promise made to you by the deceased. You’ll want to talk to someone who has the knowledge and experience to help you decide what to do for the best.

Can I contest a will?

Yes. There are a range of circumstances where it is possible and possibly a good idea depending on your situation. Our specialist contentious probate solicitors can guide you through the legal process – and help you secure a favourable outcome. Our team includes members of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Grounds for contesting a will

There are various reasons why you might challenge someone’s will, listed below. You can also read our guide to grounds for contesting a will.

• Lack of capacity – if you believe that the person didn’t have the mental capacity to make their will or change it.
• Inheritance: Provision for dependants – you can challenge someone’s will if you think they haven’t made reasonable provision for their dependants – for example, a co-habitee, spouse or civil partner, their minor children or adult children in constrained financial circumstances.
• Fraudulent will, forgery or improper execution – you can challenge a will if you think it’s a forgery or if you think it may not have been executed in the actual presence of the witnesses named in the will.
• Undue influence – if you believe that the deceased person was coerced by someone else to make their will in a certain way. 
• Read our guide to grounds for contesting a will.