Will disputes

Polish and UK Assets but only a Polish Will: A Simplified Process

A further case study demonstrating how we can assist with the estate of a deceased person with Polish domicile and assets in the UK.

“Making a valid will may be trickier than one thinks”

Our client was the half-brother of the Deceased and closest living relative.  He believed his half-brother died without leaving a valid will, thus making him the only beneficiary of the estate under the intestacy rules.

When the relationship between co-executors breaks down

Our client was appointed as his mother’s executor along with another family member. The relationship between the executors had quickly become unworkable.

Security for executor of an estate threatened by future claim

A claim was threatened against the deceased’s estate and as the executor, our client was therefore reluctant to make any distributions.

Executor fights claim against siblings who ignored Will

Our client had been appointed as the sole executor and a major beneficiary under her mother’s last Will.

Challenging the validity of multiple wills for a person who lacks capacity

We acted for the son of a deceased whose mother had made 12 wills.

Probate dispute

We acted for the adult children of their deceased mother in a claim against her estate brought by their step-father.

Capacity - what is it and how it can affect you or your family

Capacity is the ability to make a decision for oneself.

Witnessing wills by WiFi – a last resort!

Key considerations for signing Wills via video link.

The difficulty of proving undue influence claims McCarthy v McCarthy

The Cardiff County Court recently heard the case of McCarthy v McCarthy. Both parties represented themselves.

Possible will issues as a result of COVID-19

The legal profession is currently facing unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus situation, which is fast moving and having far reaching effects on the world as we know it. 

Disputing a will: key considerations

Monika Byrska considers the most common reasons people have concerns over wills.

The inheritance battle over which parent died first

Monika Bryska comments on an inheritance battle article.

Domicile And Disputed Wills - The Impact Of Social Media

A case involving the French entertainment star has highlighted the role social media can play in swaying decisions about domicile for the purposes of contested wills.

Could you potentially challenge a will?

Have you found yourself in the distressing position where you have lost a loved one and not been provided for by his or her will? If so, it is worth considering whether you might be able to challenge that person’s will and the possible ways to do so.

When you can challenge a will

Despite common misconceptions, there are only four possible ways to challenge a will. 

Independent administrator service

Independent administration is a service solicitors and families can use when there are recalcitrant executors, intractable differences of opinion or contested wills combined with a need to protect an element or the whole of a deceased’s estate.

Law Commission’s consultation on the law of wills

Thomson Snell & Passmore has responded to the Law Commission’s consultation on the law of wills.

Deeds of Variation

Disappointed by a Will?

Discretionary Trusts in Wills

Making your Will

Our Bereavement Guide

Wills - frequently asked questions