Understanding Estate Administration Disputes

Estate administration disputes refer to conflicts that arise during the process of settling an individual’s estate after their death. These disputes can occur due to various reasons, including disagreements over the validity of the person who died person’s will, conflicts between beneficiaries, or concerns about the actions of the executor or administrator.

Some common types of estate administration disputes include:

• Disputes regarding the validity of the will: One of the most common types of estate administration disputes revolves around the validity of the deceased person’s will. This can include challenges to the authenticity of the will, claims that the testator (the person who created the will) was not of sound mind when creating it, or allegations of undue influence by a third party in the creation of the will.
  
  
• Challenges to the appointment of executors or administrators: The appointment of an executor or administrator is a critical aspect of estate administration. Disputes can emerge when beneficiaries or interested parties contest the choice of executor or administrator, often asserting that the selected individual is not fit for the role due to conflicts of interest or incompetence.
  
  
• Claims of undue influence or lack of capacity: These disputes revolve around allegations that the deceased person was unduly influenced by someone when making decisions about their estate, or that they lacked the mental capacity to make informed decisions about their assets and beneficiaries.
  
  
• Disagreements between beneficiaries regarding the distribution of assets: Beneficiaries may have differing opinions about how the estate’s assets should be distributed. These disagreements can be particularly contentious when there are substantial assets or sentimental items involved.
  
  
• Disputes over the interpretation of the will’s provisions: The language used in a will can sometimes be ambiguous or open to interpretation. Disputes may arise when beneficiaries or interested parties have differing views on how specific provisions of the will should be understood and implemented.
  
  
• Inheritance Act claims by individuals who believe they have not been adequately provided for: Individuals who believe that they have not been adequately provided for in the deceased person’s will can make claims under the Inheritance Act. These claims seek to ensure that certain individuals, often close family members, receive a fair share of the estate’s assets.

If amicable methods fail or are inappropriate for the situation, seeking legal advice is crucial when dealing with estate administration disputes.

Our team has extensive experience dealing with Contentious Probate matters.

We are sympathetic, understanding, and are here to help you every step of the way.

We are here to help. We can get it sorted. It’s what we do. Call us. It’s free to ask.