When an executor isn’t doing their job properly, it can delay the estate, increase costs and cause real distress at an already difficult time.
Our specialist executor disputes solicitors act for beneficiaries, family members and executors across England & Wales to resolve disputes quickly, pragmatically and with a clear focus on protecting the estate.
Whether you want to challenge an executor, understand your rights as a beneficiary, or you are an executor facing criticism, we can help.
We are here to help. We can get it sorted. It’s what we do. Call us.
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An executor is the person appointed in a Will to administer the estate – collecting in assets, paying debts, dealing with tax and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.
Disputes commonly arise where:
The executor is delaying or failing to progress the estate
There is concern that the executor is not acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries
The executor is withholding information or accounts
There are allegations of misuse of estate funds or assets
There is a breakdown of trust between the executor and the beneficiaries
These are often referred to as executor disputes and usually fall within the broader area of contentious probate, which covers disputes about estates, Wills and inheritances.
Our team can advise you on all aspects of executor disputes, including:
If an executor is not performing their duties properly, in serious cases the court can be asked to remove or replace the executor and appoint someone else to administer the estate.
We can:
Review the executor’s conduct and explain whether the concerns are serious enough to justify action
Send a formal letter of claim demanding information, accounts or changes in approach
Negotiate a practical solution, including asking the executor to step down voluntarily
Where necessary, issue court proceedings to remove or substitute the executor
As a beneficiary, you are entitled to expect the executor to act honestly, carefully and in line with the Will and the law. We can:
Obtain information and estate accounts on your behalf
Challenge suspicious transactions or unexplained losses
Seek compensation and/or removal of the executor where appropriate
Advise on linked claims, such as contesting the Will or claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
We also act for executors who:
Are facing allegations or threats of removal
Need advice on their duties and responsibilities
Want help dealing with difficult beneficiaries or complex estates
Early advice can often prevent a disagreement from escalating into a full dispute.
Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
You may need specialist advice if:
There has been no progress for many months with little or no explanation
You are refused clear information or copies of estate accounts
Assets have gone missing or appear to have been sold undervalued
The executor is using estate funds for their own benefit
The executor has a clear conflict of interest with the beneficiaries
We will be honest about whether the situation justifies formal action or whether a cheaper, more constructive approach is available.
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.
Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes without going to court. Many executor disputes can be resolved through:
Early legal advice and correspondence
Mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution
Agreed changes in the way the estate is managed
The executor agreeing to step down voluntarily
If court proceedings are required, we will:
Explain the process and likely costs clearly
Represent you robustly in negotiations and hearings
Always keep settlement options under review to minimise risk
There are strict time limits for some types of probate and inheritance claims, and delays can weaken your position.
If you have concerns about an executor, it is usually better to:
Seek advice as soon as possible, and
Avoid signing documents or agreeing proposals until you understand your rights
We can quickly review the situation and advise you on your options and any deadlines that may apply.
Explore our latest guides and expert insights on executor disputes. Learn what can make a will invalid, who may be entitled to challenge it, and how to strengthen your case.
Our executor disputes specialists act for clients across the UK on a wide range of estate and inheritance disputes:
✅Specialist contentious probate expertise – We focus on disputes involving Wills, estates and executors
✅Straightforward, practical advice – Clear options, not legal jargon
✅Cost-conscious approach – We discuss funding from the outset and keep costs under control
✅Negotiation first, litigation when needed – We aim to protect relationships and the estate where possible
We focus on early resolution wherever possible, reducing stress and cost while protecting your position.
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 Executor 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 executor 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.
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.
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).
In serious cases, yes. If an executor is mismanaging the estate, failing to carry out their duties, or there is a serious conflict of interest, the court has power to remove or replace the executor. Often, disputes can be resolved first through negotiation or mediation without issuing court proceedings.
Typical grounds include:
Serious mismanagement of estate assets
Persistent and unexplained delay
Failure to keep proper accounts or provide information
Clear conflict of interest or self-dealing
Inability or refusal to carry out the role
Minor disagreements or personality clashes on their own are unlikely to be enough.
It depends on how complex the estate is and how willing everyone is to find a solution. Some disputes resolve within a few weeks after solicitors become involved, while others, especially those requiring court proceedings, can take many months or longer. Early advice often saves time and cost
In some cases, costs may be paid from the estate, but the court can also order an individual executor or beneficiary to pay costs, especially if they have behaved unreasonably. We will discuss cost risks with you in detail at the outset.
You should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible. Keeping clear records, promptly providing information and being transparent with beneficiaries can help resolve concerns and avoid matters escalating unnecessarily.
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!
