Challenging a Will doesn’t have to mean tearing the family apart.

The main grounds are: (1) lack of testamentary capacity (the testator didn't understand what they were doing), (2) undue influence (someone pressured them into the Will), (3) lack of knowledge and approval (they didn't know what was in it), (4) fraudulent or forged Will, (5) improper execution (not signed/witnessed correctly under the Wills Act 1837), or (6) revocation (a later Will or destruction). Each ground has its own evidence pattern and burden of proof. Most disputes turn on capacity or undue influence.

If you're a spouse, child, cohabitee (2+ years), or financial dependant of the deceased, you may have a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for "reasonable financial provision". This is NOT a challenge to the Will's validity — it accepts the Will but argues you should receive more than you got. The deadline is 6 months from the Grant of Probate, with very limited extensions.

A matter resolved via solicitor's letter or mediation typically takes 3-9 months. A matter that goes to full contested proceedings can take 18-36 months. Most matters settle before trial — often at mediation. We'll give you a realistic timeline assessment on the discovery call.

In general terms, contested-probate work in England & Wales is funded through one of several routes: hourly rates, fixed fees for clearly-scoped early-stage work (e.g. an initial merits assessment or a pre-action letter), conditional-fee arrangements (CFAs) and damages-based agreements (DBAs) where the firm shares some of the risk for qualifying high-value claims, and bespoke quotes for full proceedings. Specifics for any matter would be discussed directly with the disputes solicitor taking it on, in writing, before any work began.

Executors have specific duties to defend the Will's validity but should remain neutral between competing beneficiaries. Don't distribute estate assets while a challenge is live. Don't take sides between disputing parties. Take separate legal advice on your executor duties — your liability is different from the disputing parties'. Aaron can advise executors as well as challengers.

Probably not. Most contested-probate matters settle before trial — often through mediation or negotiated settlement. Court proceedings are usually a tactical step (forcing the other side to engage) rather than an end-goal. Even where proceedings are issued, the vast majority settle before the trial date. We'll always discuss mediation routes first.

Honest assessment of merits is one of the most important things we do at the first meeting. Some cases look strong but unwind under disclosure; others look weak but have hidden strengths in the medical records or family correspondence. Aaron will give you a candid view of prospects after reviewing the available evidence — we'd rather tell you straight than take a fee on a case that has no real merit.