Contentious Probate Solicitors
Our specialist team provides clear advice in relation to disputes over Wills, trusts and estates. We are proud to be ranked in the top tier of the prestigious Legal 500 directory.Opal Legal has been recognised as a Top 200 UK Law Firm.
Our Contentious Probate Service
Our Contentious Probate solicitors are one of the largest Contentious Probate teams in the UK. If you choose to work with us, you will discover exceptionally talented lawyers passionate about making a genuine difference in our clients’ lives.
Our Contentious Probate lawyers look for solutions in what can be a very traumatic, emotional, and stressful time. Our solicitors also pride themselves on being approachable and seek to ensure that everything they do is in your best interests
As contentious probate experts, we provide practical advice and, unlike other firms, can deliver a complete service with support from colleagues in our Property, Private Client, Family, Commercial and Agricultural teams.
Every contentious probate case is different. It can be difficult to know where to start when you have a contentious probate issue.
Our Wills lawyers offer a personal, Partner-led service. We get to know you and what you and your family want to achieve. Our Wills solicitors will help you create and/or update your Will.
Our Wills, Trusts and Probate Disputes lawyers can help you with the following:
Why Work With Our Contentious Probate Team?
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We have been ranked as a Top Tier law firm by the Legal 500 for the last seven years.
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We have been recognised by The Times and The Lawyer as a Top 200 UK law Firm.
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Price transparency - we provide our clients with clear cost advice at the outset with ongoing updates throughout the matter. Sometimes, we can pursue a contentious probate claim for you on a no win no fee basis.
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The contentious probate team is led by experienced Partner Helen Thompson, a member of STEP (the global professional association for practitioners who specialise in inheritance and succession planning) and has completed the Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes.
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All our Contentious Probate solicitors are members of the highly accredited Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists ACTAPS.
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We have the largest team of contentious probate solicitors in the Northwest, ensuring you receive the best legal advice and support.
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We are a full-service law firm operating from a one-site office, which means our teams communicate effectively and efficiently, and our contentious probate lawyers can draw on support from other specialist lawyers, such as property, private client, agricultural, family, commercial and corporate lawyers.
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We use the latest technology to ensure that we are working as efficiently as possible and that geographical distance is no bar to us from providing you with excellent client service.
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Please take a look at the Opal Legal Promise for further benefits of working with us.
What is Contentious Probate?
Contentious probate covers the many and varied ways estate disputes can and do arise when a person dies.
Family members, friends, and organisations - such as charities - may not agree with how the deceased’s assets and liabilities are dealt with under a Will or intestacy.
The types of challenges commonly relate to the validity of a Will. However, they also arise when a spouse or civil partner, cohabitee and other family members, and those maintained by the deceased before their passing consider they were wrongly excluded or inadequately provided for under the Will or intestacy. These are claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
In addition, there are also a wide variety of other issues that can affect how a deceased’s estate is dealt with that are sometimes less obvious such as:
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What does the Will mean, and how is it to be interpreted? This often creates disputes between beneficiaries. Have assets been left out of an Estate, and why?
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Mistakes in Wills and construction – are the terms of the Will clear and really what the deceased intended – again, this can create tension and issues for those dealing with the estate and beneficiaries.
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Mutual and Mirror Wills – these are types of Wills which are often misunderstood and confused.
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Breach of Trust by executors and trustees – Executors are responsible for administering an estate, but have they delayed, misused funds and lacked transparency?
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Promissory and Proprietary estoppel claims. – lifetime promises made by the deceased that fail on death are complicated and can be devastating to families
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Lifetime gifts and death-bed gifts – have they been made, or can the estate claim them?
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Disputes over property and constructive and resulting trusts – have you acquired a legal interest in an asset belonging to the deceased? If this relates to the family home, the implications can be serious.
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Sham trusts, pre-nuptial (marriage) and post-nuptial (marriage) settlements and declarations as to interests in property – complex settlements that may need to be reviewed on death.
Contentious Probate claims are often complex, and aside from navigating the law and legal procedure, they often arise at a highly emotional time when feelings of loss and grief are at their foremost.
Incurring legal costs at this time adds another concern, so it is important to explore funding options to assist you in bringing a claim and what this means for you. In some instances, we can pursue a contentious probate claim for you on a no win no fee basis.
Most contentious probate claims can be resolved before costs escalate or claims reach trial. Our contentious Probate Solicitors can discuss this with you, guide you and give clear and transparent information on all aspects.
Testimonials
"Opal Legal Services has been a lifesaver for me. Their team of experts helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Opal Legal Services!"
John Smith
Contact Opal Legal Solicitors
If you have any more questions or would like more information, you can contact our Family Law Solicitors on: