Disputes over a will or estate can be stressful, time-consuming and emotionally draining – especially when they arise between family members.
At NJS Law, our specialist contentious probate solicitors help you resolve these disputes quickly and strategically, while protecting your position and keeping costs proportionate.
Whether you are contesting a will, worried about executor misconduct, or facing a claim against an estate, we provide clear, practical advice and robust representation.
We are here to help. We can get it sorted. It’s what we do. Call us.
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Contentious probate refers to any dispute about the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This can include arguments about:
Whether a will is valid
Who should inherit and in what shares
How executors or administrators are handling the estate
Whether someone has been unfairly left out or inadequately provided for
These disputes often involve complex legal rules, strict time limits and sensitive family dynamics. Getting specialist advice at an early stage is crucial.
You may be able to contest a Will for the following reasons:
Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
Our contentious probate solicitors act for:
Beneficiaries who believe they have been treated unfairly
Individuals excluded from a will or inadequately provided for
Spouses, civil partners and cohabiting partners
Adult children and step-children
Executors and administrators facing challenges or needing guidance
Trustees involved in estate or trust disputes
We, can usually offer to act on a no win no fee service for Inheritance Act claims.
If you would like to discuss a matter or require some more information please contact us via phone or email to arrange a free no obligation consultation.
Our contentious probate solicitors act in a wide range of disputes, including:
Challenges to a will where there are concerns about:
The deceased’s mental capacity when they made the will
Undue influence or pressure by another person
Fraud, forgery or suspicious circumstances
Problems with how the will was signed or witnessed
We advise on the evidence required, your prospects of success and the best way to protect your position.
If you have been left out of a will or not reasonably provided for, you may be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
We regularly advise:
Spouses and civil partners
Cohabiting partners
Children and step-children (including adult children)
Former spouses and partners
Financial dependants
These claims are subject to strict time limits, so you should seek advice as soon as possible.
Disagreements over the way an estate is being administered, including:
Allegations of executor misconduct or bias
Failure to provide information, accounts or updates
Delays in collecting in and distributing the estate
Disputes between executors about key decisions
We can help you hold executors to account, apply for their removal where appropriate, or defend them if they are facing unfair criticism.
Arguments between beneficiaries about:
Who is entitled to what
The value of estate assets
Lifetime gifts and whether they should be brought back into the estate
We work to resolve beneficiary disputes quickly and cost-effectively, often through negotiation or mediation.
Contentious probate frequently overlaps with:
Claims that property was held on trust for another person
Proprietary estoppel claims (where promises about inheritance have been relied upon)
Disputes over deathbed gifts (donatio mortis causa)
Disagreements about the management or distribution of trust assets
Explore our latest guides and expert insights on contentious probate. Learn what can make a will invalid, who may be entitled to challenge it, and how to strengthen your case.
Our contentious probate specialists act for clients across the UK on a wide range of estate and inheritance disputes:
✅ Challenging the validity of a will
✅ Defending claims brought against an estate
✅ Inheritance Act claims
✅ Executor and trustee disputes
✅ Claims involving undue influence or capacity issues
✅ Removing executors for misconduct
✅ Beneficiary disputes
✅ Mediation and negotiated settlements
We focus on early resolution wherever possible, reducing stress and cost while protecting your position.
We assess the strength of your case and explain your options in plain, transparent language.
We gather relevant evidence—medical records, witness statements, earlier wills and financial information.
Many disputes can be resolved without court action. We aim to reach an agreement swiftly and amicably.
If litigation becomes necessary, our experienced solicitors will represent you with clarity, determination and care.
We specialise in contested wills and estate disputes.
We offer fixed-fee options and flexible funding arrangements, including no-win, no-fee where appropriate.
We understand the emotional weight of these disputes. Our team balances legal precision with empathy and discretion.
Our solicitors successfully resolve complex and high-value disputes through both negotiation and court representation.
Clients across the UK trust us for our exceptional service, reflected in our 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating.
Our experienced Contentious Probate Solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way. With specialist expertise in contentious probate and inheritance disputes, we provide clear, strategic legal representation to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome.
Contact NJS Law today to discuss your will dispute with a specialist solicitor. Call or email us now to get expert advice and begin your case.
Different claims carry strict deadlines:
Inheritance Act claims: usually within 6 months of probate
Will validity challenges: ideally made before probate is granted
Executor disputes: no fixed time limit, but early action helps protect the estate
If you’re unsure about timing, contact us as soon as possible—delays may affect your rights.
Stay up to date with the latest news on contentious probate claims. Our blog shares real client case results, recent compensation awards, and guidance from our solicitors to help you understand how the claims process works in practice.
As the person appointed by a testator to with carrying out the wishes outlined in a will, an executor plays a pivotal role in the administration of an estate. However, if an executor fails to adhere to the instructions laid out in the will, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and legal complications.
Dealing with a dispute over a loved one’s will can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. However, understanding the available options for resolution can help you navigate this difficult situation with clarity and confidence.
Probate disputes can swiftly erupt in cases where an Executor has a conflict of interest, is not progressing Probate, and/or keeping secrets regarding the whereabouts of certain assets (and these are merely a few examples).
The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether negotiation or court proceedings are needed.
Many disputes are resolved within a few months, while more complex cases may take longer. Early legal advice can help speed up the process.
Not necessarily. Most will disputes are settled through negotiation or mediation. Court is typically a last resort and only used when agreement cannot be reached.
You may have grounds if you believe the will is invalid, you were financially dependent on the deceased, or you’ve been unfairly left out. Our solicitors can assess your situation during a free initial consultation.
Yes. NJS Law can place a caveat to temporarily prevent probate from being issued.
In some cases it is possible to enter a caveat or apply for an injunction to prevent the grant of probate or the distribution of estate assets while the dispute is resolved. We can advise you on whether this is appropriate.
Most people are unsure at first—our free assessment helps you understand your position without pressure.
Evidence may include medical records, previous wills, witness statements, financial documents, or proof of undue influence.
NJS Law will help identify and gather the evidence needed to support your case.
Yes. If an executor is acting improperly, causing undue delays, or failing to administer the estate correctly, the court can remove or replace them.
In some cases, the court may allow late claims, but this is not guaranteed. It’s essential to seek immediate legal advice if you’re concerned about deadlines.
Yes, but it may be more complicated. Some claims, like Inheritance Act claims, have strict time limits, while validity challenges may still proceed. Early action always strengthens your position.
Disputes can be sensitive, but mediation and negotiation can help resolve matters without escalating conflict. NJS Law focuses on achieving fair outcomes while minimising stress and family tension.
If someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed under intestacy rules. You may still be able to challenge how the estate is divided, depending on your relationship and dependency.
Yes. A will’s age does not prevent it from being challenged. The key question is whether it was valid when created and whether current circumstances justify a claim.
Stepchildren may have rights under the Inheritance Act if they were financially dependent on the deceased. They may also have grounds if named in a previous will.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case. NJS Law offers clear, transparent pricing and may be able to provide fixed fees or no-win, no-fee funding for suitable cases.
Adele is a qualified solicitor with over 20 years experience working in the legal sector, predominantly within Litigation.
Adele is the member of the management team responsible for the firms strategy, including the growth of a number of key areas of legal practice, heading up the Housing Disrepair and Probate Teams. She also has a keen interest in technology, in particular automation, and will be working on optimising the firm’s processes.
In her spare time Adele enjoys walking the family cockapoo, watching her son play sport, travelling to new places and is obsessed with all things interiors!
