After Someone Dies

Chapter 7 — When the Will Is Disputed

A person may be disappointed by a will without having legal grounds to challenge it. The deceased was generally entitled to decide who should inherit. An unequal distribution, an unexpected gift or the exclusion of a relative does not automatically make the will invalid.

Equally, genuine warning signs should not be ignored. A dispute may concern the validity of the will, the meaning of its wording, the conduct of an executor or whether reasonable financial provision was made for somebody who depended on the deceased.

The first task is to identify what is actually being disputed. Different complaints involve different evidence, procedures and time limits.

Do not rush into accusations

Bereavement can make people react quickly to incomplete information.

A family member may have heard that they would inherit, seen an older will or misunderstood the legal effect of jointly owned property. An executor may appear secretive because they are still gathering information or obtaining advice.

Before alleging fraud, coercion or dishonesty, ask clear questions and request the relevant information through the proper person.

An accusation can permanently damage relationships and make settlement more difficult. It can also increase costs without improving the legal position.

This does not mean concerns should be suppressed. They should be expressed precisely, supported by facts and dealt with promptly.

Identify the type of dispute

Will and estate disputes commonly concern one or more of the following:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">whether the will was signed and witnessed correctly;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">whether an executor is administering the estate properly.

These issues should not be mixed together carelessly. A claim for financial provision does not necessarily allege that the will is invalid. A complaint about an executor does not necessarily change who inherits.

Failure to sign and witness correctly

A will made in England and Wales will normally need to satisfy formal requirements.

It must generally be in writing and signed by the person making it, or by someone in their presence and at their direction, with the intention of giving effect to the will. The signature must normally be made or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time, and each witness signs or acknowledges their signature in the presence of the person making the will.

Problems may arise where:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the witnesses were not present together when required;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the deceased did not intend the document to operate as a will; or

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the circumstances of signing cannot be established.

Do not assume that an unusual signature or imperfect witness address automatically invalidates the document. Obtain the full evidence, including statements from the witnesses and the file of the professional who prepared or supervised the will.

Mental capacity

A person must have had the necessary testamentary capacity when making the will.

The legal test is specific to wills. A diagnosis of dementia, memory problems, mental illness or another condition does not by itself prove that the person lacked capacity.

The evidence may need to address whether the person understood:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the general extent of the property they were disposing of;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the people who might reasonably expect to be considered; and

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">whether a disorder of the mind influenced the decisions made.

Relevant evidence may include medical records, the will-drafting file, attendance notes, witness accounts and evidence of the deceased's behaviour near the time of signing.

Capacity can fluctuate. Evidence from a different period may be relevant without being decisive.

Knowledge and approval

The deceased must have known and approved the contents of the will.

Concerns may arise where the person could not read, had serious visual or communication difficulties, did not speak the language used in the document or signed without a proper explanation.

Suspicion may also arise where a major beneficiary arranged the appointment, gave the instructions, selected the solicitor, remained present throughout or received an unexpected and substantial benefit.

These circumstances do not automatically invalidate the will. They may require the person relying on it to provide evidence showing that the deceased understood and approved it.

The preparation file should show how instructions were obtained, how the document was explained and what safeguards were used.

Undue influence

Undue influence in a will dispute involves coercion that overpowered the deceased's own wishes. Persuasion, appeals, arguments or family pressure are not necessarily enough.

The allegation is serious and must be proved by evidence. Direct evidence is uncommon, so the court may need to consider the entire pattern of behaviour and circumstances.

Possible warning signs include:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the deceased becoming isolated from other relatives;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">a beneficiary controlling access, appointments or communications;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">threats, intimidation or dependency being exploited;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">a sudden unexplained change benefiting the controlling person;

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">instructions that appear inconsistent with the deceased's settled wishes without a credible explanation.

Do not label ordinary caregiving or a close relationship as undue influence without evidence.

Forgery and fraud

Forgery may involve a false signature or a fabricated or altered document. Fraud may include deliberately misleading the deceased so that the will does not reflect informed intentions.

Preserve the original document, envelopes, drafts, correspondence, electronic files and examples of genuine signatures.

Do not write on the will, remove fastenings or send the original to an unqualified person.

Handwriting or forensic examination may be appropriate, but it should be arranged through legal advisers so that the evidence is handled and documented correctly.

An allegation of fraud or forgery should not be made as a negotiating tactic. It can have serious legal and cost consequences.

A later will or codicil

A dispute may be resolved by locating a later valid will or codicil.

Repeat the searches described in the previous chapter. Contact solicitors, will writers, banks, storage providers and appropriate registration services.

Preserve all earlier and later documents. The dates are important, but the latest dated document is not automatically valid or necessarily intended to revoke every earlier will.

Where several wills deal with assets in different countries, specialist advice is essential before treating one as replacing another.

Disputes about wording

Sometimes everybody accepts that the will is valid but disagrees about what it means.

A description of a beneficiary, asset or gift may be unclear. An asset may have been sold or changed before death. Two clauses may appear inconsistent.

Do not resolve ambiguity by choosing the interpretation that seems fairest. The legal approach considers the wording, the will as a whole and admissible evidence about the surrounding circumstances.

The court may be asked to interpret the will. In suitable cases, it may also be possible to seek rectification where a clerical error or failure to understand instructions caused the will to express the wrong result.

Strict time limits may apply to a rectification application. Obtain advice immediately.

Claims for financial provision

Certain people may be able to claim reasonable financial provision from the estate even where the will itself is valid.

Potential applicants can include a husband, wife, civil partner, former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried, a cohabiting partner meeting the legal conditions, a child, a person treated as a child of the family or somebody maintained by the deceased.

Eligibility does not guarantee an award. The court considers the statutory factors and the circumstances of the estate and all affected people.

There is normally a short period after the grant within which such a claim should be issued. The court can sometimes permit a late claim, but nobody should rely on that discretion.

An executor who knows of a possible claim should obtain advice before distributing the estate.

Entering a caveat

A caveat can prevent a grant of representation from being issued without the person who entered it being notified and the dispute being addressed.

It may be appropriate where there is a genuine dispute about the validity of the will, whether a will exists or who is entitled to take the grant.

A caveat is not a general device for every inheritance complaint. It may be inappropriate where the will is accepted as valid and the dispute concerns only financial provision or the conduct of the administration.

A caveat must be entered before the grant is issued. It remains in force for a limited period and can be extended while it is still active.

Entering a caveat begins a formal procedural position. The other side may issue a warning, requiring action within a short period. A person who enters a caveat without understanding the consequences may face delay and costs.

Obtain contentious-probate advice before entering, challenging or responding to a caveat wherever possible.

If a grant has already been issued

The issue of a grant does not necessarily end every possible dispute.

Depending on the problem, it may be possible to seek revocation of the grant, bring a claim, ask for directions or take action against a personal representative.

The available remedy depends on the facts and timing. Act promptly and do not assume that a probate search or a grant proves that every underlying issue has been finally determined.

Preserve evidence immediately

As soon as a genuine dispute is anticipated, preserve relevant evidence. This may include:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the names and contact details of witnesses.

Do not alter devices, delete accounts or circulate sensitive material widely.

Medical and legal records cannot simply be demanded by any relative. The appropriate person or legal process must be used to obtain them.

Write down first-hand recollections promptly. Separate what the witness personally saw or heard from what somebody else told them.

The executor's position

An executor should not treat the role as an opportunity to defend their personal inheritance at the estate's expense.

The executor's duty is to administer the estate properly. When a genuine dispute arises, they should remain as neutral as reasonably possible, protect the assets, preserve records and obtain advice about whether distribution must pause.

An executor who is also a beneficiary may need separate advice in each capacity.

The estate does not automatically pay every party's legal costs. The court can make different cost orders depending on the conduct, reasonableness and outcome of the dispute.

Do not assume that starting proceedings is risk-free because “the estate will pay”.

Do not distribute while the dispute is unresolved

Premature distribution can expose an executor to personal liability.

Where a credible claim has been raised, the executor should obtain advice about retaining the disputed assets or the whole estate.

Property may still require insurance, maintenance and necessary expenditure. Businesses may need to continue operating and tax deadlines may still apply.

Pausing distribution does not mean abandoning the administration. Uncontroversial information can continue to be gathered and the estate protected while the dispute is addressed.

Start with clear written questions

The person raising the concern should identify:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the proposed next step.

Avoid long messages containing insults, speculation and every historical family grievance.

The person responding should answer what can properly be answered, identify information still being obtained and give a realistic date for a fuller response.

Use mediation before litigation where possible

Most will disputes should be considered for mediation before a full court case.

Mediation can allow the parties to test the strengths and risks of their positions, understand the costs and explore practical settlement terms.

Possible solutions may include:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">an apology or agreed explanation alongside the legal settlement.

Any settlement should be documented properly. Tax, benefits, trusts, minors and absent beneficiaries may affect what can lawfully be agreed.

Mediation should not be used to pressure a vulnerable person into surrendering a valid claim. Each party should have the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice.

Time limits and delay

Different claims have different time limits. Some are short and run from the date of the grant. Others depend on when facts were discovered or on the remedy sought.

Negotiation or mediation does not automatically stop a legal time limit from running.

Where more time is needed, lawyers may discuss a written standstill agreement, but its wording and effectiveness require professional care.

Anyone considering a claim should obtain advice early, even if the family intends to mediate.

Executors should not use delay to exhaust a claimant, and claimants should not use an unsupported threat to freeze the estate indefinitely.

When court proceedings may be necessary

Court action may be necessary where:

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="0" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">the legal issue requires a binding determination; or

<w:left w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:bottom w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:right w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/><w:between w:space="0" w:sz="0" w:val="nil"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:after="60" w:before="0" w:line="271" w:lineRule="auto"/><w:ind w:left="340" w:right="0" w:hanging="227"/><w:jc w:val="left"/><w:rPr/></w:pPr><w:r w:rsidDel="00000000" w:rsidR="00000000" w:rsidRPr="00000000"><w:rPr><w:rFonts w:ascii="Georgia" w:cs="Georgia" w:eastAsia="Georgia" w:hAnsi="Georgia"/><w:b w:val="0"/><w:bCs w:val="0"/><w:i w:val="0"/><w:iCs w:val="0"/><w:smallCaps w:val="0"/><w:strike w:val="0"/><w:color w:val="000000"/><w:sz w:val="20"/><w:szCs w:val="20"/><w:u w:val="none"/><w:shd w:fill="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:vertAlign w:val="baseline"/><w:rtl w:val="0"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">a limitation deadline requires proceedings to be issued.

Litigation is expensive, slow and uncertain. It should be used deliberately, not as the first emotional reaction to disappointment.

Disputed will checklist

1. Identify the precise legal and factual issue.

2. Preserve the original will and every related document.

3. Do not accuse anybody of fraud, forgery or coercion without evidence.

4. Locate earlier and later wills and codicils.

5. Request the will-drafting file through the appropriate route.

6. Preserve medical, financial, electronic and witness evidence.

7. Check whether a grant has been issued.

8. Obtain advice before entering or responding to a caveat.

9. Identify every relevant legal time limit.

10. Ask the executor to pause distribution where a credible claim exists.

11. Keep the estate insured, secure and properly administered.

12. Use clear written questions and factual responses.

13. Attempt independent mediation before full litigation where possible.

14. Record any settlement in a properly drafted agreement.

15. Begin court proceedings only when necessary to protect or determine the legal position.

A will dispute does not have to become a family war. Early evidence, clear communication, realistic legal advice and properly conducted mediation can resolve many cases before the estate is consumed by delay and cost.

The next chapter explains the roles of executors, administrators, beneficiaries and professional advisers, and who is responsible for each part of the estate.

← Previous Chapter Back to After Someone Dies Next Chapter →⭐ Leave a Google Review

Reader Comments

We would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter.

About Harry Georgiou

Harry Georgiou is the owner of Swifty Clearances, a waste clearance business. He writes about responsible waste disposal, fly-tipping prevention, and the practical steps households and businesses can take to avoid inadvertently funding illegal waste operations.

Author Page

Chapter 7 — When the Will Is Disputed

Reader Comments

Leave a Comment

About Harry Georgiou