Will and Inheritance Disputes
Losing a beloved relative or friend is one of the hardest things a person can go through. With so many matters to sort out, from telling friends and family, to arranging the funeral, to dealing with Probate, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious. The grieving process is stressful enough without any additional issues. So, with emotions running high, it is common for disagreements between family members to quickly escalate into full-blown disputes.
At Coodes Solicitors, we know that legal disputes among family members have the potential to become lengthy, expensive and deeply upsetting. Everyone will have their own view of what is ‘fair’ and what the deceased’s final wishes were, particularly in modern times when the family structure is less likely to be ‘traditional’. Divorce, dissolution, remarriages, step-children and children with different partners are all very common nowadays.
Without the guidance and dispute resolution skills of a solicitor, even the closest of families can end up resenting each other. Arguments over inheritance, questions over the validity of the Will, and conflict over how the Estate is being handled are all reasons why you may need to seek legal advice.
We have a team of lawyers who specialise in Will and inheritance related disputes. We have handled hundreds of issues over the years, from straightforward intestacy cases (where someone dies without a Will) to high value Estates involving multiple properties and complex assets.
With offices in Truro, Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penzance, Holsworthy, Launceston and Liskeard, we are conveniently located and easily accessible for people across Cornwall and West Devon.
How our contested Probate and disputed Will solicitors can help
Whether you need to bring or defend a claim, our goal is to help individuals work through the issues as peaceably as possible, using our strong negotiation skills to find a resolution that is in your best interests. We work efficiently, minimising the risk of tensions (and costs) escalating beyond control. With us on your side, you have the best possible chances of avoiding court proceedings, saving you time, expense and stress. However, should you need to take this further, we have a huge amount of experience pursuing these claims through the courts, right up to the Court of Appeal.
Our expertise includes:
- Will disputes and challenges to the validity of a Will
- Disputes arising out of intestacy – where someone dies without leaving a Will
- Inheritance disputes – for example, claiming for financial provision where a loved one has died without leaving you enough to live on
- Probate and Estate Administration disputes – for example, where the Executors (people responsible for sorting out the Estate) cannot agree on how to act
- Specialist advice for elderly and vulnerable clients – our dedicated Elderly and Vulnerable Client Services team are particularly skilled at tailoring our advice for older people and can set out your options in plain, understandable English
- Rural and agricultural Will and inheritance disputes – our expert Rural Services team have a unique understanding of the pressures and issues facing rural and farming families. We can provide a bespoke service tailored specifically to meet your needs
- Professional negligence – such as negligently drafted Wills and negligently handled Estates (where the administration was handled by a professional such as a solicitor)
- Fraudulent Wills – we have used handwriting experts to establish that a Will has been fraudulently constructed.
Our Personal Disputes team is headed up by Melanie Grose, a skilled solicitor with nearly 20 years of experience. Melanie is recognised by independent client guide, the Legal 500, as ‘an extremely competent lawyer’.
Melanie, along with others in our team, is a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and regularly handles disputed Wills, Executor and Trustee disputes, negligence cases, and inheritance claims.
Our approach to Will and inheritance disputes
We aim to approach Will and inheritance disputes practically but sensitively. We understand that your loved one was a unique individual who should be remembered and respected for who they were, not just for how much money they left behind.
It is likely you were very close to the person who has died or had a long history with them, even if the relationship was not as positive as you would have liked. We will keep your best interests at heart throughout your time with us. We will take all possible steps to keep the dispute civil and as non-combative as possible, including during any settlement discussions or court proceedings.
Get in touch with our Will and inheritance disputes solicitors in Cornwall and West Devon
To arrange an initial discussion with one of our disputed Will and contentious Probate solicitors, give us a call on 0800 328 3282 or fill in our simple online enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
We have local offices in Truro, Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penzance, Holsworthy, Launceston and Liskeard where we are happy to meet with you to discuss your matter. We can also make alternative meeting arrangements, such as video call, phone call and email if this is more convenient for you.