Losing a loved one is hard enough on all levels, emotionally, practically and financially but this difficult period can be particularly stressful when you or another party contests the will or estate. A will, trust or estate dispute is increasingly common as family networks become more complex. Contesting a will, whether you are bringing the claim or are on the receiving end, is never an easy process and we know how difficult this can be for you and your family.

At Irwin Mitchell we will fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for you. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family at this time, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference. Irwin Mitchell has considerable expertise of mediation to enable these disputes to be resolved quickly and sensitively. Our specialist lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise, combined with dedication and sensitivity. Above all, we put you first.

Get Sensitive Advice From Our Specialist Will Disputes Team

There are a number of reasons as to why will disputes arise. The most common reasons are:

  • The deceased should have made additional provision for you
  • Someone is claiming that the deceased should have made additional provision for them
  • The deceased did not have the appropriate mental capacity when they made the Will
  • Someone coerced the deceased into making the Will
  • The Will was not signed properly according to the correct legal formalities
  • The deceased made promises to you
  • Disputes between, or with, Executors
  • There is a factual error in the Will
  • The Will has been lost

If you feel that one of these reasons apply to your case, then you should speak to a specialist solicitor immediately.  When you contact Irwin Mitchell, we will give you clear advice about the reasons which apply in your case.

What You Can Expect When You Choose Irwin Mitchell For Your Will Dispute Case

Our national presence gives us the strength to help clients from across the country to contest a will. You get the peace of mind of dealing with one of the UK’s most experienced teams. Choose us to handle your claim and you will have direct access to specialists and you will benefit from:

  • Access to a 24 hours 7 days a week legal helpline to deal with your enquiry
  • A range of funding options to suit you, including our ‘No Cost to You’ scheme
  • Access to specialist Counsel and Mediators

Our Promises To You 

  • You will deal with friendly and professional lawyers
  • Our team are recognised will, trusts and estate dispute experts, so you will benefit from our expert knowledge of contested wills and estates
  • We will always work with your best interests at heart
  • We will immediately start to investigate your claim
  • You can meet us to discuss your case at a time and place that suits you
  • We will give you clear, honest and straightforward advice

We Are Committed To Helping People

We support and work with a number of organisations on behalf of their members to provide legal guidance on will disputes. You can find out about some of the charities and groups that we support by visiting their websites:

The levels of expertise and support we provide to clients has been recognised with all our senior team becoming members of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), which requires over 5 years experience of specialising in this area.

Louise Sykes, partner, heads up the team is a valued member of the ACTAPS committee.

Can We Help?

For specialist and initial free advice on contesting a will or defending yourself against a claim, simply make an online enquiry. Alternatively call us 24 hours 7 days a week to discuss your claim with our legal helpline, in confidence and with no obligation.


* Subject to entering into a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement in conjunction with our Allianz Support4Disputes insurance policy and complying with your responsibilities under its terms.

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

  • Disputed Identification Of Beneficiaries
    We have a team of dedicated, experienced solicitors who specialise in handling cases involving all aspects of wills and estate administration.
  • Executors And Trustees
    Whether you are an executor or trustee who is worried that they might be sued by a beneficiary, or you are a beneficiary who feels that the executor or trustee has not acted properly, we can help.
  • Improper Execution Of Wills
    Whether you are defending a claim or you are challenging a will yourself, getting the expertise of an experienced lawyer is essential.
  • Inheritance Act
    We can advise you on the law and your rights, regardless of whether there was a Will or not.
  • Interpretation Of The Terms Of Wills
    Our Wills disputes specialists know the action to take to make your claim a successful one, acting positively and putting your needs first throughout.
  • Lost Wills
    Our Wills disputes team have helped many clients when a Will has been lost.
  • Pre-Death Agreements
    We promise to support you throughout this testing time, providing the client care, straightforward advice and leading legal expertise needed to make your claim successful.
  • Professional Negligence
    We have a team of experienced, dedicated solicitors who specialise in helping clients to claim compensation from professionals who have written poor quality wills.
  • Statutory Wills
    We have significant experience of making statutory will applications and contesting the terms of a statutory will.
  • Testamentary Capacity
    Establishing that someone was of sound mind to make a will and claims where capacity is an issue are frequent and Irwin Mitchell can help you.
  • Undue Influence
    Whatever your query is in relation to a will, trust or estate dispute, our expert team can help.