However unpleasant a process it might be, if you believe that you have been denied your legal entitlement to the estate of a friend or family member it is essential that you seek legal advice regarding the possibility of making a successful Wills dispute claim.
This type of legal action, under UK probate law, is very common in the UK and whether your dispute involves a sibling, a stepsibling, a stepparent or some other party, Oratto’s member specialists can help you uphold your full rights under the law.
700% the increase in contested Wills at London's High Court witnessed between 2008 and 2013
85% the increase in the number of applications at London's High Court seeking to have a whole Will declared invalid (73 to 135)
10 -> 82 High Court Will dispute cases over individual clauses rose from 10 in 2006 to 82 in 2011* *Ministry of Justice figures as obtained by The Independent newspaper
37% More than one third of millionaire families have been involved in a contentious Will dispute* *Survey by private bank Coutts
Over recent decades there has been an unprecedented rise in the number of “blended families”. Families with step children and step grandchildren are now an increasing part of the landscape of British family life. Inevitably, this has led to a surge in the number of Will disputes and inheritance act claims, most commonly by children of a first marriage seeking to claim inheritance rights over a second or third spouse of a deceased parent.
Such contentious probate disputes can quickly become acrimonious and seeking advice from an experienced Wills dispute solicitor, at an early stage, can help ensure that you receive clear guidance regarding your probate rights and your options.
The price of UK property continues to rise, and older generations frequently leave behind them property that is valued at life-changing sums. This has undoubtedly been a factor in the rate of Will disputes and contested probate claims in the country, with high property values providing children, spouses and other dependants greater incentive for disputing a Will, particularly where complicated family structures such as blended families are also a factor.
In other situations the property may be of high sentimental value, with some beneficiaries wishing to sell the property and others wishing to keep it in the family.
£295,000 average value of new dwelling
£214,000 average value of pre-owned dwelling
£489,000 average value of London property
UK House Price Index summary: August 2016
Incorrect execution of a Will
Lack of mental capacity on the part of the testator
Lack of sufficient knowledge on the part of the testator
A forged or fraudulent Will
Exertion of undue influence on the testator
Furthermore, it may be possible to mount a successful Will dispute claim if you can prove that under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 the terms of the Will did not ensure that you were adequately provided for.
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Oratto exists to put you in contact with the legal practitioner who is best suited to your personality, your location and the details and circumstances of your case. Our member solicitors are specialists in their fields, are signed up to the Oratto Member Lawyer Code and have experience of handling some of the most complex and difficult Wills disputes. When you come to Oratto, our priority is always to find you the right solicitor for your needs. Let us help you make contact with a specialist today.
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