Paul Magee
Head of Dispute Resolution
Contesting a Will
If you believe a loved one’s Will is unjust, invalid, or doesn’t reflect their true wishes, we can help. We recognise that unfairness can arise in many different situations, and our specialist solicitors are here to help you seek a just outcome — with clarity, sensitivity, and no charge for your initial call.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 4 business hours.
Who can contest a Will, and under what circumstances?
We understand that considering legal action during a time of grief is difficult. Our team approaches every case with sensitivity whilst fighting vigorously for your rights. Time limits apply to Will contests — seek advice promptly.
You may have grounds to challenge a Will if you fall into one of the following categories. If you are unsure or if your circumstances are different to those listed below, please get in touch for more specific advice.
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You’re named as a beneficiary in the Will, but it makes inadequate provision for you
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You’ve been unfairly disinherited or left out of the Will entirely
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You relied on the deceased financially
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You were promised an inheritance that hasn’t been honoured
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You represent a charity or organisation that was promised a legacy
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You’re an executor who believes the Will is invalid
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You’re affected by the current Will or an earlier version that was more favourable to you
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You have reason to believe the Will doesn’t reflect the deceased’s true intentions
What Our Clients Say
Why Work With Us
Partner-led experience you can trust
Our specialist team is headed by Paul Magee, a Solicitor and Partner with over 35 years’ experience in contentious probate and property disputes. Paul is a member of ACTAPS — the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists — one of a select group of solicitors to hold this specialist accreditation. Paul has successfully handled hundreds of complex Will, trust, and property disputes, securing fair outcomes for clients both in and out of court.
Responsive, personal service
We combine deep expertise with genuine personal attention. You’ll work directly with experienced solicitors who move quickly, communicate clearly, support you throughout the process, and keep you informed at every stage — not passed from person to person.
Free initial consultation – No charge, no obligation
We offer a free, confidential 30-minute assessment of your case. Discover whether you have grounds to contest a Will and understand your funding options before committing to anything. There is no charge for the initial call. In certain circumstances, we are able to offer “No Win No Fee” agreements.
What are the Grounds for Challenging a Will?
A Will can be contested on several legal grounds. You may have a valid claim if any of the following apply:
Lack of mental capacity
The person who made the Will didn’t have the mental capacity to fully understand what they were doing at the time of signing — including the nature of making a Will, the extent of their estate, or who would benefit.
Lack of knowledge and approval
The person who made the Will didn’t truly understand or agree to its contents — even if they had the mental capacity to do so. This often arises where someone else prepared the Will on their behalf.
Undue influence or coercion
Someone pressured, manipulated, or forced the person into making the Will against their true wishes.
Invalid execution
The Will wasn’t properly signed or witnessed according to legal requirements, making it invalid.
Fraud or forgery
The Will was created or altered dishonestly — for example, through a forged signature or deliberate misrepresentation — meaning it doesn’t reflect the deceased’s true intentions.
Not sure if you have a case? Many people aren’t certain whether their concerns amount to legal grounds — that’s exactly what our free initial consultation is for. There is no charge to find out where you stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much am I entitled to?
If you successfully contest a Will, the outcome depends on your specific circumstances. Typically, an earlier valid Will would take effect. If there’s no earlier Will, the estate is shared according to intestacy rules – legal guidelines that determine who inherits.
Our first step is to assess what you could reasonably expect to receive if your challenge succeeds. In many cases, we can also negotiate a fair settlement with other parties, which helps you avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to court.
Do you offer "no win, no fee" agreements?
In many cases, we’re able to offer a range of flexible funding options, including:
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“No win, no fee” agreements — you only pay if your case is successful
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Private “pay as you go” arrangements
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Deferred payment arrangements, depending on your circumstances
Each case is different and requires us to carry out a risk assessment before we can determine which funding option applies. Some cases may also be suitable for “After the Event” (ATE) insurance, which covers disbursements such as court and expert fees, and protects you against any adverse costs order.
We’ll discuss funding options with you fully during your free initial consultation — no commitment required.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer a free, confidential 30-minute consultation to discuss the basis of your claim. There is no charge for the initial call and no obligation to proceed. This gives you the opportunity to understand your options before making any decisions.
Do you deal with other Will and Probate disputes?
Alongside contesting a Will, we can advise on a wide range of related disputes, including:
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Lost or destroyed Wills
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Being left out of a Will entirely
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Executor disputes, including removing an Executor or claims of Executor misconduct
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Estate claims and misappropriation of property
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Claiming a trust, or disputes with Trustees who are not acting fairly or transparently
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Suspicious loans or gifts made before death
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Eviction from estate property
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Fraud relating to estate assets
Paul Magee can also advise on property disputes that arise alongside or separately from probate matters.
How long do I have to contest a Will?
Time limits vary depending on the type of claim — for example, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 must generally be brought within six months of the Grant of Probate. Other types of claim may have different deadlines.
It’s important to seek advice as soon as possible. Delay can significantly affect your ability to bring a claim or negotiate a fair outcome. If you’re concerned about timing, contact us for a free initial assessment — there is no charge to find out where you stand.