Contentious Probate – Get it Sorted – Protected – Proved – Completed
When someone dies, most estates are straightforward. But if there’s no will (intestacy), or if the will is unclear, disputed, or potentially invalid, things can quickly become stressful and expensive.
We help you resolve probate and estate disputes calmly and firmly. Our default approach is negotiation and mediation first, because it usually protects relationships and keeps costs proportionate. Where court proceedings are unavoidable, we move decisively and keep you informed at every step.
We can also advise and represent in Coroners matters, including inquest preparation, post-mortem issues, and liaising with the Coroner’s office where families need clarity and a plan.
Who it’s for
- If you’re an executor or administrator and feel stuck, blocked, or challenged.
- If you think a will is invalid, suspicious, or doesn’t reflect the deceased’s true intentions.
- If you’re a beneficiary and the estate is being delayed, mishandled, or distributed unfairly.
What you get
A clear set of tangible outputs, not vague “advice”:
- Case roadmap: what happens next, likely routes, and decision points.
- Merits briefing sheet: strengths, risks, and what evidence matters most.
- Evidence checklist and document bundle plan: what to gather and how to present it.
- Negotiation and settlement plan: realistic options, strategy, and wording.
- Live matter tracker: issues list, deadlines, and next actions.
- Court-ready pack (if needed): pleadings plan, witness statement structure, and exhibits map.
Timeline: Step 1 of 7
Probate Triage
A focused call to understand the dispute, urgency, and what outcome you want.
Document and evidence capture
We gather and review the will(s), probate papers, estate accounts, correspondence, medical evidence (if relevant), and key witness material.
Merits and risk assessment
We advise on validity, construction/interpretation, standing, limitation, costs risk, and best route (negotiation, mediation, court).
Strategy and pre-action steps
We draft the right letters, proposals, and protective steps (e.g., caveat/standing position) and set the timetable.
Negotiation and mediation
We push for resolution, structure offers, and prepare you properly for mediation if appropriate.
Court action (only if required)
We issue or defend claims, manage evidence, and keep the case moving with a clear plan.
Resolution and implementation
Settlement terms, orders, enforcement if needed, and getting the estate finalised.
Price structure (indicative)
We’ll always give you a tailored cost plan once we understand the facts, but these ranges help you budget:
- Probate Triage Call (30 minutes): fixed fee (from £150–£250 + VAT)
- Will MOT (validity and risk screen, plus next steps note): fixed fee (from £500–£1,250 + VAT)
- Initial written advice (merits + strategy): typically £1,500–£4,000 + VAT
- Negotiation-led dispute (pre-action through settlement): commonly £3,000–£15,000 + VAT
- Mediation preparation and attendance: commonly £2,500–£10,000 + VAT, plus mediator/venue fees
- Court proceedings: widely variable, often £15,000–£75,000+ + VAT, depending on complexity and length
What tends to increase cost:
- Multiple parties or hostile positions
- Urgent injunctions or interim applications
- Medical capacity/undue influence evidence and expert reports
- Overseas assets or cross-border marriage/intestacy issues
- High volumes of documents, long family histories, or fraud allegations
Call to book
Book a Probate Triage, Will MOT, or LPA Readiness Call.
Call 0207 060 1210 to speak to our contentious probate team.
Further information
Contentious Probate
Disputes about wills, intestacy, executor conduct, and how estates should be administered and distributed. We focus on practical resolution first, with court as a last resort.
General Civil Litigation
Where the dispute crosses into wider civil claims (property, trusts, debt, misrepresentation, professional negligence), we can run the case with a joined-up strategy.
Mediation and ADR
Call us now on 0207 060 1210 to speak to someone from our contentious probate team