Contesting_a_Will_NJS_Solicitors

Contesting A Will Solicitors

Expert Legal Support for Challenging a Will

Losing a loved one is hard enough without worrying that their will might be unfair, invalid or influenced by someone else.

Our specialist contesting a will solicitors help families resolve inheritance disputes sensitively but firmly, guiding you through every stage of challenging a will or bringing a contentious probate claim.

Whether you are an executor facing a claim, or a beneficiary who believes you have been treated unfairly, we’ll explain your options clearly and work to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

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

✅ Free Initial Consultation

✅ Transparent Pricing

✅ Specialist Contesting a Will Solicitors

✅ Proven Track Record of Successful Claims

4.6/5 | 650 Satisfied Customer Reviews

Reasons to Contest a Will

You may be able to contest a Will for the following reasons:

  • You were left out of the Will.
  • You were not left as much as you were expecting or promised.
  • You believe the Will is incorrect in some manner;
    • if you believe the person making the Will lacked the mental capacity,
    • was improperly influenced by another person,
    • was not properly signed and/or witnessed,
    • or you believe the Will was forged.

 

Common Grounds for Challenging a Will

Our team advises on all types of will disputes, including:

To make a valid will, a person must understand the nature and effect of the will, the extent of their property and the claims of those who might expect to inherit. If there are concerns about illness, dementia or confusion at the time the will was made, a claim based on lack of capacity may be possible.

✅ Undue Influence or Coercion

If someone applied pressure or manipulated the person making the will to benefit themselves, the will may be set aside for undue influence. These cases can be complex, relying heavily on witness evidence and documents. Our team will help you gather the information needed to support your claim.

✅ Incorrectly Executed or Invalid Will

A will must meet certain formal requirements. For example, it must be in writing, signed and correctly witnessed. If these rules were not followed, the will may be invalid, and a previous will or the rules of intestacy may apply.

If you were financially dependent on the person who has died, or you are a close family member who has not been reasonably provided for, you may be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975. These claims often arise where someone is excluded from a will or left a smaller share than they need.

Find Out if You’re Eligible to Make
a Contesting a Will Claim

Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.

Who Can Contest a Will?

You may be able to contest a will if you are:

  • A spouse or civil partner
  • A former spouse or civil partner (in some cases)
  • A child or step-child
  • A partner who lived with the deceased
  • A beneficiary named in the will or a previous will
  • Someone who was financially dependent on the person who has died

Our solicitors for contesting a will will quickly tell you if you are eligible to bring a claim and what your chances of success are.

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. 

What Our Customers Say

Rated 5 out of 5
Daniel
First class service and customer care I cannot recommend Alex Gemmell highly enough. After my father passed away the executors of his Will failed to perform there duties and Alex supported me all the way through a very stressful experience removing the executors with a High Court order and replacing them with a professional and well respected solicitor. I will always be grateful for Alex; he turned a difficult situation around with his knowledge and dedicated professionalism.
Veronica
Thank you Stephen Lawson and Kay Clarke for all your support in our Contentious Probate matter. They both worked tirelessly for our family, getting the outcome duly deserved what felt like a mountain we were climbing they turned around. An year long case made easy knowing they had our backs and any questions we had they could answer no matter how small it seemed. We look forward to moving on as a family into 2024 knowing justice is served. Thank you so much.
Jo
I have received your letter and would just like to thank you for your input. We would never of got the outcome we did if it wasn't for you in believing in me to ask for the £100,000 thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel I can now move forward with my life and put this whole ordeal behind me. Thank You
Rebecca
I would highly recommend this company! A**** From the moment Mr Lawson took on our case, he kept our family up to date with any outcome from our case which has now been resolved. With his hard work really did pay off. I personally can’t thank him enough! He really does know what he is talking about, it really made everything so less stressful. Thank you again. Rebecca
Veronica
We thank Stephen & Kay for all your hard work and support in the case. Without both of you we'd never of got to this point and we're so pleased this case is now resolved. I'm sure Mum & Dad would of been pleased to know that we did the right thing and won. .

Contesting A Will Claim Guides & Expert Tips

Explore our latest guides and expert insights on contesting a will. Learn what can make a will invalid, who may be entitled to challenge it, and how to strengthen your case.

How NJS Law Can Support You Through Your Contesting a Will Dispute

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

Contentious Probate

We focus on early resolution wherever possible, reducing stress and cost while protecting your position.

Our Approach to Contesting a Will Claims

1. Free, No-Obligation Assessment

We assess the strength of your case and explain your options in plain, transparent language.

2. Evidence and Investigation

We gather relevant evidence—medical records, witness statements, earlier wills and financial information.

3. Negotiation & Mediation First

Many disputes can be resolved without court action. We aim to reach an agreement swiftly and amicably.

4. Strong Representation Where Needed

If litigation becomes necessary, our experienced solicitors will represent you with clarity, determination and care.

Why Choose NJS Law for Your Contesting a Will Claim

✅ Focused Expertise

We specialise in contested wills and estate disputes.

✅ Clear, Fair Pricing

We offer fixed-fee options and flexible funding arrangements, including no-win, no-fee where appropriate.

✅ Client-Centred Approach

We understand the emotional weight of these disputes. Our team balances legal precision with empathy and discretion.

✅ Proven Track Record

Our solicitors successfully resolve complex and high-value disputes through both negotiation and court representation.

✅ Rated 4.9★ for Client Care and Support

Clients across the UK trust us for our exceptional service, reflected in our 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating.

Speak to Our Contesting a Will Solicitors Today - Free Consultation -

Our experienced Will Dispute 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.

Time Limits for Contesting a Will

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.

Latest Contesting a Will Claim News & Case Updates

Stay up to date with the latest news on contesting a will 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.

Contesting a Will Made Undue Influence

We are often contacted by people who claim that a Will is invalid because it was made as a result of “undue influence”. Equally we are often contacted by beneficiaries who claim that a will is valid – and they deny there was any undue influence. So, let’s take a look at the law.

Read More »

Common Questions About Contesting a Will Claims

How long does a will dispute usually take?

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.

Ask NJS Law

For your probate and related legal issues, simply ask NJS

Will FAQs

For any questions we may be able to answer, discover our FAQs section.

Adele Whittle

Solicitor - Head of Property & Estates

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!