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Contentious Probate Solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent
Inheritance disputes are often stressful, especially when families are grieving and emotions are running high. If you are looking for contentious probate solicitors in Stoke, our team can help you get clarity on your rights, and your next steps.
We advise clients across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas on contentious probate matters, including complex inheritance disputes involving wills, trusts, executors and estate administration. We focus on practical, solution-led advice and a clear strategy from day one.
How We Help You
Our contentious probate solicitors in Stoke advise on a wide range of inheritance disputes, specialising in the following areas:
- Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 - If a will (or intestacy) does not make reasonable financial provision, we can advise on eligibility, evidence and the best route to progress a claim.
- Disputes over the validity of Wills - Where there are concerns about capacity, undue influence, knowledge and approval, or how a will was signed and witnessed, we can guide you through challenging a will and protecting your position.
- Claims for Proprietary Estoppel - If you relied on assurances about property or inheritance and acted to your detriment, we can assess whether proprietary estoppel applies and what remedies may be available.
- Claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 - We advise on disputes involving beneficial interests in property, including disagreements about contributions, occupation and what should happen to jointly owned property.
- Disputes between Executors, or Breach of Trust - If executors are in conflict, the administration has stalled, or you’re concerned about how assets are being handled, we can advise on practical steps and, where necessary, formal action to protect beneficiaries and the estate.
Who We Act For
We act for executors, beneficiaries and trustees, as well as attorneys and deputies where estate and trust issues overlap with vulnerability or capacity concerns. If a claim involves a minor or a vulnerable adult, we can also advise on the appropriate representation arrangements and the practical steps needed to progress matters correctly.
Specialist Credentials
Victoria Townsend is a fully registered member of ACTAPS (The Association of Contentious Trusts & Probate Specialists) and part of ConTrA (the Contentious Trusts Association). Victoria is also a Dementia Friend Champion, which can be relevant in matters where capacity and vulnerability issues arise.
Alison Neate is an Accredited Commercial Mediator (ADR Group), supporting a constructive and proportionate approach where mediation is appropriate.
FAQs
Will the estate or my opponent have to pay my legal costs?
Costs in contentious probate cases depend on the type of claim and how the dispute is resolved. In some inheritance disputes, costs may be paid from the estate or ordered against another party, but this isn’t guaranteed. Our contentious probate solicitors in Stoke can explain the likely costs position once we know the circumstances.
Do you do no-win no-fee?
In certain situations, a conditional fee arrangement may be possible, but it depends on the value and funding options available. If you’re looking for contentious probate solicitors near you, we can discuss funding at the outset and outline the options that may be suitable for your case.
Do you offer a free consultation?
We can arrange an initial discussion to understand the background and explain the options for moving forward. Our team will also be clear about costs and next steps from the start.
I have been cut out of a will. What can I do?
Being excluded doesn’t always mean there’s no remedy. Depending on your relationship to the deceased and your circumstances, you may have a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975, or there may be grounds for challenging a will if there are concerns about how it was made.
Can I obtain copies of the deceased’s medical records?
In some cases, yes, medical records can be important evidence, particularly where capacity is in dispute. We can advise on the appropriate route for requesting records and what is likely to be relevant to your contentious probate case.
The deceased had dementia when they made their will. How do I challenge it?
A diagnosis such as dementia does not automatically invalidate a will, but it can be relevant to whether the person had testamentary capacity when the will was made. Our contentious probate solicitors in Stoke can advise on the evidence typically needed, including medical and factual evidence, and whether challenging a will is realistic.
The executor won’t give me information about the estate. What can I do?
Executors have duties to deal with the estate properly and keep appropriate records. If you’re being refused information or there are unexplained delays, we can advise on practical steps to progress matters and, where necessary, formal action to protect beneficiaries in inheritance disputes.
