Our barristers offer practical advice and representation in a range of probate, succession and inheritance matters. We act for beneficiaries, personal representatives and family members and others interested in the administration of estates.
We understand that for friends or family caught up in a dispute over an estate this can be an especially challenging time and that clear, sympathetic advice and effective representation are required.
Our probate barristers advise and represent parties affected by all the problems relating to disputes over probate and deceased estates:
- Burial disputes
- Caveats, citations and warnings;
- Challenges to wills based on: fraud, forgery, lack of knowledge and approval, lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence;
- Disputes about the proper administration of an estate including the removal of personal representatives and the appointment of new ones;
- Advising on and acting in applications for rectification of wills under the Administration of Justice Act 1982
We also have a depth of experience in dealing with other issues that arise such as
- Bringing and defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 on behalf of spouses, civil partners, former spouses and civil partners, cohabitants, adult and minor children and personal representatives.
- Applications under s116 of the Senior Courts Act for grants of representation passing over prior entitled parties
- Claims by creditors of an estate and potentially insolvent estates
John Critchley was involved in the high profile case of in which his client, the sole beneficiary of the will, was granted relief against forfeiture in the context of an assisted suicide case.
The strength of our Court of Protection expertise benefits clients in disputes relating to lasting/enduring powers of attorney, deputies, statutory wills and welfare issues. It ensures that issues of capacity are carefully considered in all probate, succession & inheritance disputes.
