When an estate is not administered properly, tensions can quickly escalate into serious legal disputes between executors, beneficiaries and other family members.
Our specialist estate administration disputes solicitors at NJS Law help clients across England & Wales resolve these conflicts quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal stress.
Whether you are concerned about how an executor is handling an estate, feel you have been unfairly left out, or need advice as an executor facing criticism, we are here to protect your position and guide you through the process.
We are here to help. We can get it sorted. It’s what we do. Call us.
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Estate administration disputes arise when there is disagreement about how a deceased person’s estate is being managed or distributed. Typical issues include:
Allegations that an executor is not doing their job properly
Concerns that estate assets are being sold too cheaply or not at all
Delays in administering the estate or paying beneficiaries
Lack of information or transparency from the executor
Disputes between beneficiaries over their entitlement or the interpretation of the Will
Questions over whether the estate has been valued correctly
These disputes often sit within what is known as contentious probate and can involve claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, challenges to a Will’s validity, or applications to remove or replace executors.
Executors and administrators hold a position of trust. Problems can arise where they:
Fail to keep proper accounts
Do not communicate with beneficiaries
Prefer their own interests over those of the estate
Delay in selling property or distributing assets
Our solicitors can advise you on your options, including compelling an executor to provide information, applying to court for directions, or seeking their removal if necessary.
Beneficiaries may disagree about how the estate is being dealt with, particularly where:
There is uncertainty in the wording of the Will
One beneficiary is living in estate property and refusing to sell
Lifetime gifts or loans need to be taken into account
There are concerns that one beneficiary has unduly influenced the deceased
We work to resolve these disputes through negotiation and, where appropriate, mediation, to minimise cost and preserve family relationships where possible.
If a Will or intestacy rules do not make reasonable financial provision for a spouse, partner, child or dependant, they may be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
We advise both claimants and those defending such claims, carefully assessing the strength of the case, the value of the estate and the likely court approach to reach a fair settlement.
In serious cases, it may be necessary to ask the court to remove or replace an executor. This is a significant step and requires clear evidence that the executor:
Is not capable of performing their duties, or
Has acted improperly, causing risk or loss to the estate
Our team can assess whether you have grounds to make such an application and guide you through each stage of the process.
Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
From your first contact with us, we will:
Listen carefully to your concerns and review relevant documents (such as the Will, Grant of Probate and estate accounts)
Advise you clearly on the strength of your position and the options available
Take prompt action to protect the estate and your interests – which may include sending a formal letter, obtaining disclosure or seeking urgent court orders
Seek early resolution wherever possible through negotiation or mediation
Represent you robustly in court proceedings if a fair settlement cannot be reached
We understand that estate disputes are often emotionally charged and arise at a time of grief. Our solicitors combine technical expertise with a practical, sensitive approach.
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 team is experienced in contested probate and estate administration disputes, acting for executors, administrators, beneficiaries and dependants.
We understand the procedural rules, court expectations and strategies required to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We pride ourselves on giving straightforward, jargon-free advice. From the outset, we will explain:
The likely prospects of success
The steps involved
Realistic timescales
The potential costs and ways to manage them
You remain in control of decisions at every stage.
We offer a range of funding options depending on the circumstances of the case, which may include:
Hourly rates with regular cost updates
Fixed fees for specific stages of work where appropriate
Discussions about no win, no fee or deferred payment arrangements in suitable cases
We will always be upfront about costs so there are no surprises.
Ee act for clients across England & Wales, and can also assist executors and beneficiaries living overseas with UK estate disputes.
Most matters can be handled via phone, video call and email, with court hearings often conducted remotely.
Explore our latest guides and expert insights on estate administration disputes. Learn what can make a will invalid, who may be entitled to challenge it, and how to strengthen your case.
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your situation, review key documents and give you preliminary advice on your options and likely next steps.
We then gather further information, such as estate accounts, valuations, correspondence and any evidence of wrongdoing or mismanagement. This enables us to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Wherever possible, we will seek to resolve the dispute through pre-action correspondence and negotiation. In many cases, disputes can be settled at this stage without the need for court proceedings.
For more complex disputes, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution can provide a cost-effective way to reach agreement. We regularly represent clients at mediation and can guide you through the process.
If settlement cannot be achieved, we will prepare and issue court proceedings, representing you throughout and keeping you informed at every stage. Our aim is always to protect your interests while seeking a proportionate outcome.
Our experienced Estate Administration 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.
Stay up to date with the latest news on estate of administration disputes 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.
Disputes about the Administration of Estates are, sadly, becoming increasingly common – at any given time we will often have a number of these claims either being pursued or defended by us. Sometimes claims are genuine – but sometimes we defend claims that are brought by over greedy beneficiaries.
Estate administration disputes refer to conflicts that arise during the process of settling an individual’s estate after their death.
Time limits vary depending on the type of claim. For example, Inheritance Act claims generally must be brought within six months of the Grant of Probate being issued. Other claims, such as those involving breach of trust, may have different time limits. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing a deadline.
Yes. Executors have legal duties to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. If you believe an executor is failing to fulfil those duties – for example by delaying, failing to account for assets or acting in their own interests – you may be able to compel them to provide information, seek directions from the court or, in serious cases, apply for their removal.
Many estate administration disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a final court hearing. However, some cases do require court involvement. We will always explore alternatives first and only recommend court proceedings where they are necessary and in your best interests.
Costs are always at the discretion of the court and depend on the facts of the case. In some situations, costs may be paid from the estate; in others, one party may be ordered to pay another’s costs. We will discuss the potential cost risks with you from the outset and as the case progresses.
Yes. We frequently advise executors and beneficiaries who live abroad but are involved in UK estate administration disputes. We can communicate with you by email, telephone or video call and handle most aspects of the case on your behalf.
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!
