Inheritance Act Claims

There are strict time limits to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) 1975, so it is important that you act quickly if you want to make a claim or contest a Will.

Myerson have one of the largest specialist Inheritance Act teams in the country, successfully securing substantial financial settlements for many clients over the years. You can see some of our successful Inheritance Act claims below.

Who can claim under the Inheritance Act 1975

It is a basic principle of English law that we can leave our estates to who we wish.  However, the Inheritance Act 1975 was introduced to enable certain claimants to bring financial claims.

To be eligible to claim under the Inheritance Act, you must fall into one of the categories below:

  • A spouse or civil partner of the deceased
  • A former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried
  • An unmarried partner of the deceased who lived with them as husband or wife for a period of two years before the date of death
  • A child of the deceased, including illegitimate or legally adopted children
  • A person who was treated by the deceased as a child of the family
  • A person who was financially maintained by the deceased

If you fall within one or more of the categories above, the next step is to consider whether the Will or intestacy has made reasonable financial provision for you.

A claim must be brought within six months of the date of the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.

If you are out of time you may still be able to claim by making an application to the court to bring proceedings out of time.

If you think you may be out of time, please get in touch, and we can advise you as to whether we believe you may be able to bring the claim out of time.

Contact our Inheritance Act Claim Solicitors

What Will The Court Take Into Account In An Inheritance Act Claim?

There are a number of factors a court must consider when reviewing an Inheritance Act Claim. These include:

  • The financial resources and needs which you have or are likely to have in the foreseeable future.
  • The financial resources and needs that any other applicant has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future.
  • The financial resources and needs that any beneficiary named in the Will has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future.
  • Any obligations and responsibilities the Deceased had towards any applicant or beneficiary named in the Will.
  • The size and nature of the estate.
  • Any physical or mental disability of any applicant or beneficiary.
  • Any other matter, including the conduct of the applicant or any other person, which the court may consider relevant.

Get in touch with our contentious probate solicitors

Why Use Myerson's Inheritance Act Claims Solicitors?

If you choose to work with us, you will discover exceptionally talented lawyers who have a passion for making a genuine difference in our clients’ lives. We pride ourselves in being approachable and always ensure that everything we do is in your best interests.

All our solicitors are either full members of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) or are working towards that. The team is overseen and led by experienced Partner Helen Thompson, a member of STEP (the global professional association for practitioners specialising in inheritance and succession planning), and has completed the Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes. We are also proud to be ranked in the top tier of the prestigious Legal 500 directory.

We provide practical advice and, unlike other firms, are able to deliver a complete service with support from colleagues in our Property and Private Client teams.

How much does making a claim cost?

From the outset, our costs will be clear and transparent, and we offer a range of funding options, including:

  • “No Win, No Fee” agreements
  • Deferred payment
  • Fixed fees
  • Litigation loans
  • Third-party funding
  • Legal expenses insurance
  • “After the event” insurance

Contact our solicitors today

Testimonials

Meet Our Contentious Probate Solicitors

Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our contentious probate lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.

Helen Thompson

Helen Thompson

Helen is a Partner and Head of the Contentious Probate Team

Jennifer McGuinness

Jennifer McGuinness

Jennifer is a Partner in our Contentious Probate Team

Adam Carvalho

Adam Carvalho

Adam is a Legal Director in our Contentious Probate Team

Nicola Moulds

Nicola Moulds

Nicola is a Senior Associate in our Contentious Probate Team

Eleanor Clarke

Eleanor Clarke

Eleanor is a Senior Associate in our Contentious Probate Team

Stephanie Ewan

Stephanie Ewan

Stephanie is an Associate in our Contentious Probate Team

Katie Hayes

Katie Hayes

Katie is an Associate in our Contentious Probate Team

Jade Smith

Jade Smith

Jade is a Trainee Solicitor in our Contentious Probate Team

Thomas Lees

Thomas Lees

Thomas is a Trainee Solicitor in our Commercial Litigation Team

Lisa Birrell

Lisa Birrell

Lisa is a Paralegal in the Contentious Probate Team

Helen Mort

Helen Mort

Helen is a Paralegal in our Contentious Probate Team

Danielle Malpus

Danielle Malpus

Danielle is Legal PA in our Contentious Probate Team

Sarah Carruthers

Sarah Carruthers

Sarah is a Legal PA in our Contentious Probate Team

Contact Myerson Solicitors

Complete the form below, or alternatively, you can call Myerson Solicitors on:

0161 941 4000