How to get touch with us over the festive period

Our offices will be closed on 25 and 26 December, and 1 January with no access via telephone or email on these days. On 23, 24 and 27 December you will be able to reach us via telephone, email and our live chat but our offices will be closed to the public. All other dates we are open as usual. 

Complete the form below to ask us a question or make an enquiry. We’ll get back to you via phone or email as soon as possible.

Experienced inheritance dispute solicitors

 

"The team have been exceptionally supportive and understanding throughout the process in dealing with my mum's estate. It's certainly been a rollercoaster of a ride however, the team have shown so much empathy during such an upsetting time.  Thank you"

 

We understand that taking the decision to make an inheritance claim can be a difficult one but if you believe you should have been provided for in a Will, we can help you. We will work with you to understand your desired goals and deliver results.

 

Why choose Tozers dispute resolution solicitors?

We have a specialist team of contentious probate lawyers and have been bringing and defending Inheritance Act claims for many years. Our experienced team will:

  • Talk to you about your situation in a free initial meeting - This gives you a chance to ask questions about the process and the likely cost involved. This is an opportunity to discuss the options available to you and outline next steps.

  • Support you through the process, with clear and practical advice - We explain everything carefully in plain English so you know what to expect at each stage, keeping you fully informed throughout.

  • Find the best solution as your trusted legal partner - We will consider your specific scenario, explore your options so you can feel confident we’re taking the right course of action. 

Arrange a free first meeting

 

 

What will it cost?

We understand that cost is a primary concern to you so we offer a free initial consultation with any potential claim, we will explain the cost options available to you and in some cases offer flexible cost options such as deferring payment, no-win-no-fee arrangements and fixed or capped fees.

 

A bit about the Inheritance Act 1975

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 provides a means by which a person can seek to challenge:

  1. the reasonableness of the wishes set out in the Will, or
  2. the effect of intestacy and gives the Court the power to alter the provisions appropriately.

For many years peoples’ last wishes could only be challenged by disputing the way the Will was made. This created an undesirable situation where the last wishes excluded, for whatever reason, people who the law considers should have benefitted from the estate. Equally, where a person died without making a Will, the strict intestacy rules can deny those who might otherwise have a legitimate interest in the estate.

 

How can I bring a successful claim?

In order to bring a successful claim, the person challenging the Will needs to be able to show that they are one of the specified people entitled to bring the claim, and that the Will, or intestacy rules, do not make reasonable financial provision. How the courts interpret the Inheritance Act depends on which type of claimant is making the claim.

To discuss this with one of our experts get in touch using our online enquiry form below or call us on 01392 207020.

Arrange a free first meeting

 

 

Who can make an Inheritance Act claim?

You can bring an Inheritance Act claim if you are either a:

  • spouse or civil partner
  • former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried
  • cohabitees who were living as husband and wife
  • child of the deceased (not limited to those under 18)
  • person treated as a child of the deceased as a result of a marriage
  • someone else who was being wholly or partly maintained by the deceased

 

Why choose us

Our team of contentious probate lawyers have a wide range of experience in bringing and defending Inheritance Act claims including complex Inheritance Act claims, such as those involving:

  • adult children
  • illegitimate children
  • disabled claimants
  • secret civil partnerships
  • apparently insolvent estates

We are accredited by the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. We will work with you and guide you through the process step by step.

Martin Laver Light

Martin Laver

PARTNER AND SOLICITOR

01392 667641

m.laver@tozers.co.uk

 

Meet the team

 

 

Find out how we can help you

If you are considering making an inheritance claim, the first step is to contact us for a chat. Our dispute resolution solicitors offer a free first meeting - get in touch with us today using our online enquiry form below or call us on 01392 207020.

Arrange a free first meeting

 

Can we help?

Frequently Asked Questions

You will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. We are confident you'll find the information useful, and if you would like to know more or your question is not covered please contact us.