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Contentious Probate Solicitors in Cambridge
Disputes over matters involving wills, probate, estates or trusts often have high stakes, both in financial terms and the possible consequences for family and personal relationships.
Sectors and ServicesThe earlier you can seek expert advice, the better the outcome you are likely to achieve. This can give you more options to resolve a dispute amicably before conflict escalates and positions become entrenched, as well as helping to make sure your rights and those of your loved ones are fully protected from the outset.
BDB Pitmans’ contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge have decades of combined experience handling the full range of contentious probate matters, including for very high value and complex matters. As such, we can provide the experience, expertise and exceptional quality of client service you deserve.
We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, after which we will give a realistic estimate of fees, as well as talking through the various options for funding our services.
Keen to avoid conflict?
Our team are experts in the use of options including private negotiations and mediation, allowing us to avoid court proceedings and keep relations been the parties positive without compromising on your rights.
Hoping for a quick resolution?
Our contentious probate lawyers are known for the quick results we are able to achieve for our clients, often without the need for court proceedings to be issued.
We work with clients from a range of backgrounds, and we have particular expertise in disputes involving high value and complex assets and complicated issues, including where there are international considerations at play. Our extensive expertise includes highly specialist matters such as disputes in relation to farming businesses, landed estates and charity legacies.
Our contentious probate expertise has been recognised with high rankings in leading client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, with Head of Will and Trust Disputes Lucinda Brown being a full member of the prestigious Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) .
Our Cambridge contentious probate solicitors can advise on
- contesting a will;
- correcting mistakes in a will;
- charity legacy claims;
- claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;
- proprietary estoppel claims;
- removal of trustees or executors;
- estate administration disputes;
- financial abuse of the elderly;
- concerns over lifetime gifts;
- disputes relating to mental capacity
- objections to the appointment of a deputy;
- co-ownership disputes such as the division of chattels or collections and the division of land; and
- professional negligence.
Speak to our contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge
To discuss how our contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge can help you, please get in touch.
About your consultation
You can be confident our contentious probate solicitors will listen to your concerns and priorities, taking on board all of the issues you are concerned about, both practical and emotional.
Our team will provide close support through every stage of dealing with your inheritance dispute, making sure your interests are firmly represented and that the best possible outcome is achieved, whether through the courts or alternative dispute resolution.
Our contentious probate service in Cambridge
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Will disputes
Will disputes typically occur where there are concerns about the validity of a will, the mental capacity of the deceased when they made the will, any undue influence someone may have had over the deceased or any other questions about whether the will truly reflects the deceased’s wishes.
Our contentious probate lawyers in Cambridge are highly experienced in resolving will disputes, helping to unpick these challenging issues and ensure that the deceased’s true wishes can be honoured, and their loved ones are properly provided for.
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Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
Certain categories of people may be entitled to reasonable financial provision from an estate when someone passes away, whether this was included in the deceased’s will or not. This also applies if there was no will and the estate is being dealt with under the rules of intestacy.
We can advise dependants of the deceased on whether they may be eligible for reasonable financial provision and, where appropriate, assist with making a claim for this under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 – also known as the ‘Inheritance Act’ or ‘1975 Act’. This is commonly called an ‘Inheritance Act claim’.
Our contentious probate team can also advise representatives of the estate and beneficiaries who need help with defending an Inheritance Act claim.
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Probate and estate administration disputes
The administration of an estate is a serious responsibility and any issues with the way this is carried out can cause beneficiaries significant concern, especially if it seems like the value of the estate is at risk of being diminished.
Our contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge can help beneficiaries to raise concerns about how probate and the administration of an estate is being dealt with. Options include requesting estate accounts, investigating any suspicious transactions or expenses and removing and, where necessary, replacing executors and estate administrators with independent professionals.
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UK and international trust disputes
Dealing with trust disputes is a highly specialist area of law as they are often very technically complex. It is therefore essential to seek support from experts with a high level of knowledge and experience in trust law and trusts disputes, especially where international trusts and assets are involved.
Our team has strong expertise in trust disputes, as well as working closely with our private wealth colleagues and external advisors, such as off-shore lawyers. This allows us to resolve even the most complicated trust disputes in the right way for our clients’ interests, including in relation to issues such as clarifying the trust terms, representing trust beneficiaries, resolving conflicts between trustees and dealing with claims to remove or replace trustees.
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Contentious Court of Protection
Acting under a Lasting Power of Attorney or as a court-appointed deputy for a vulnerable person is a critical role and it is essential that the vulnerable person’s best interests are protected at all times. Where mistakes have been made or there are concerns over whether an attorney or deputy is acting in the best interests of the person they are supporting, this must be addressed swiftly.
Our contentious Court of Protection solicitors can help to take action over any concerns about the conduct of attorneys and deputies, as well as working with attorneys and deputies to defend such claims. We can assist with allegations of financial abuse, objections to the appointment of a deputy and applications to remove and replace attorneys and deputies, amongst other matters.
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Professional negligence claims against solicitors and will writers
Errors in way a will has been drafted can be very serious with the potential to result in significant losses to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of an estate. Such errors can also take a lot of time and expense to resolve. Making a professional negligence claim against the will writer can be an option to help recover any losses suffered.
Our expert team can help with bringing a professional negligence claim against a solicitor or will writer and rectifying the will to make sure it properly reflects the deceased’s wishes.
Our Cambridge contentious probate fees and funding options
The cost of pursuing a contentious probate matter should always be carefully considered to make sure this does not outweigh the potential financial benefits.
When you work with our team, you will receive a case plan right at the outset that is properly costed at every stage, with the outcome you want to achieve clearly set out.
We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, after which we will provide a realistic estimate of fees, as well as talking through the various options for funding our legal services.
Speak to our contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge
To discuss how our contentious probate solicitors in Cambridge can help you, please get in touch.
