Contentious Probate Solicitors

However, with the right legal support it does not have to be this way. At Stephen Rimmer, our dedicated and sympathetic team of contentious probate solicitors can provide expert advice about all types of dispute that arise after the death of a loved one.

Sometimes, a disagreement is inevitable, but with our guidance, you have the best possible chance of finding a positive, constructive and cost-effective solution.

How we can help you with disputed Wills and inheritance claims:

Our solicitors can provide sensible, practical advice for all contentious probate matters, including:

• Disputes over the validity of a Will, such as undue influence or lack of mental capacity
• Intestacy disputes
• Obtaining a caveat to stop probate
• Probate and estate administration disputes
• Inheritance Act claims

Why choose Stephen Rimmer for contentious probate advice? 

Our contested probate solicitors understand how stressful these types of disputes can be. When you are already coming to terms with the loss of a relative, the added issue of a dispute over their Will or inheritance can feel overwhelming.

We help individuals make and defend these types of claims, whether you have been left out of a Will, you are concerned that the deceased person’s wishes are not being carried out properly, or you fear that the Will is invalid.

We have an expert dispute resolution team who deal with contentious probate issues. We have a strong negotiation skills and an impressive track record of helping individuals settle disputes out of court. Contentious probate disputes have earned an accurate reputation for being extremely expensive if they reach court, therefore out-of-court settlement is often the best solution. However, our aim will always be to achieve the best outcome for you. If necessary, we will provide sensible advice about your prospects for success and use our robust litigation skills to seek the result you need in court. 

Book a free 30-minute consultation with our contentious probate solicitors in Eastbourne and Hastings

We offer a free, no obligation 30-minute chat with one of our specialist estates and lifetime planning solicitors to all new clients.

To arrange your initial consultation, you can:

• Call: 01323 434416
• Email: enquiries@stephenrimmer.com
• Or pay us a visit at 21 Lushington Road Eastbourne BN21 4LG

Our contentious probate services

Will disputes

If you think that a deceased person’s Will may be invalid, we can provide advice about contesting it. As a result, the Will could be set aside or rectified. The following are some reasons for contesting a Will that we can assist with:

• The Will was not executed validly, e.g. it was not witnessed
• Lack of testamentary capacity, e.g. because of an illness such as dementia or a brain injury at the time the Will was made
• Undue influence – the testator (the person making the Will) was pressured or forced into making the Will
• Lack of knowledge or approval of the content of the Will
• Fraud or forgery
• The testator received negligent advice, e.g. from their solicitor or tax advisor, when making the Will (professional negligence)

Intestacy disputes

We can provide advice about disputes arising out of intestacy, for example:

• Disputes over who should administer the estate
• Disputes resulting from an unmarried partner or step children who cannot inherit
• Inheritance disputes where a child or dependent has not been properly provided for
• Disputes arising because an estranged spouse has inherited the estate

Probate and estate administration disputes

We can provide advice to beneficiaries if they think the executors or administrators are mismanaging a deceased person’s estate.

We can also provide advice to executors and administrators who are facing requests for information or legal claims over their handling of the estate.

Our expertise includes:

• Applications to remove and replace executors and administrators
• Preventing individuals from becoming executors where it would be inappropriate for them to take up the role
• Claims where the estate has been mismanaged, such as property sold at an undervalue

Inheritance Act claims

If you have not been left as much inheritance as you need, for example, because your relative left you out of their Will or they died intestate, we can provide advice about making a claim for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

These types of claim are complex and can only be brought by certain people. We will provide clear advice about your prospects for success as well as helping you apply and representing you every step of the way.

Speak to our contentious probate solicitors in Eastbourne and Hastings

From our offices in Eastbourne and Hastings, our contested probate solicitors work with clients all across East Sussex, including Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea, Hailsham, Polegate, Battle, Pevensey and St Leonards-on-Sea.

To arrange your free, no obligation 30-minute consultation with our team, you can:

• Call: 01323 434416
• Email: enquiries@stephenrimmer.com
• Or pay us a visit at 21 Lushington Road Eastbourne BN21 4LG