PROBATE DISPUTE SOLICITORS
Probate disputes can arise when there are disagreements over the administration of an estate, the validity of a will or the way assets are distributed after someone has passed away. These situations are often emotional and legally complex, making experienced legal advice essential. At HM3 Legal, our probate dispute solicitors provide clear, practical guidance to help you protect both your personal and business interests and work towards a fair resolution.
Associations and Affiliations
We resolve probate disputes with confidence
Disputes involving an estate can quickly become stressful, particularly when emotions are high and family relationships are involved. Whether you are challenging a will, defending a claim or seeking advice about the administration of an estate, our experienced probate dispute solicitors are here to provide clear, practical legal guidance. At HM3 Legal, we work to protect your interests while helping you achieve a fair and efficient resolution wherever possible.
Our probate dispute solicitors can assist with:
- Contesting the validity of a will
- Defending probate dispute claims
- Inheritance Act 1975 claims
- Executor and trustee disputes
- Beneficiary disputes
- Claims involving undue influence
- Lack of testamentary capacity claims
- Estate administration disputes
- Mediation and negotiated settlements
- Probate dispute court proceedings
- Advice for executors and beneficiaries
- Time sensitive probate claims
Our probate dispute solicitors
Ruth Marsh
Partner & Head of Private Client Services
Abigail Blakemore
Trainee Solicitor
Abigail Vine
Legal Assistant
Ceri Burns
Solicitor
Frances Williams
Senior Associate
Judith Gloria
Paralegal
Libby Ryan
Legal Administrator
Shannon Ashley
Paralegal
Wendy Randall
Probate Practitioner
Our probate dispute legal services
Contesting the validity of a will
Not every will reflects the true wishes of the person who made it. If there are concerns that a will was created without the necessary mental capacity, under undue influence, through fraud or without meeting the legal requirements, it may be possible to challenge its validity. Our probate dispute solicitors carefully assess the evidence, explain your legal position and guide you through every stage of the process. We work with beneficiaries, executors and family members to build strong cases while aiming to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible. Where necessary, we provide experienced representation throughout court proceedings to help protect your interests.
Inheritance act claims
If you believe you have not received reasonable financial provision from an estate, you may be able to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. These claims can involve spouses, former spouses, children, cohabiting partners and people who were financially dependent on the deceased. Our experienced solicitors will assess your circumstances, explain whether you have grounds to bring or defend a claim and provide practical legal advice throughout the process. We work to achieve fair outcomes through negotiation wherever possible, while remaining fully prepared to represent you in court if required.
Executor and trustee disputes
Executors and trustees have important legal responsibilities when managing an estate, but disagreements can arise if beneficiaries believe those duties have not been fulfilled correctly. Concerns may include delays in administering the estate, poor communication, conflicts of interest or the handling of estate assets. At HM3 Legal, we advise both executors and beneficiaries involved in these estate disputes, providing clear guidance to help resolve matters fairly and efficiently. Our solicitors aim to reduce conflict wherever possible while protecting your legal rights and ensuring estates are administered in accordance with the law.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Probate disputes key contact: Ruth Marsh
Partner and Head of Private Client Services
Ruth Marsh is Head of Private Client at HM3 Legal and a highly respected specialist in wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. As a STEP-qualified practitioner and a Band 1 ranked lawyer in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Ruth provides expert advice on estate and wealth management, succession planning and asset protection. Known for her approachable manner and clear, practical guidance, Ruth helps individuals and families plan for the future with confidence, delivering tailored legal advice and exceptional client care.
Looking for expert probate dispute solicitors?
Probate disputes can be legally complex and emotionally challenging, particularly when they involve family members or significant estate assets. Receiving the right legal advice at an early stage can help you understand your options, protect your interests and work towards a practical resolution.
At HM3 Legal, our experienced probate dispute solicitors provide clear, straightforward advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Whether you are contesting the validity of a will, defending an inheritance claim, resolving disagreements between beneficiaries or dealing with executor disputes, we are here to guide you through every stage of the process. We aim to resolve disputes efficiently wherever possible while ensuring your legal rights remain fully protected.
If you need trusted legal support with a probate dispute, contact HM3 Legal today to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our experienced solicitors.
Would recommend
I would definitely use HM3 Legal myself and recommend anyone in need of a trusted firm..
She was prompt with communications and kept us informed in the process.
We managed to recover 75% plus of money after more than a year of back and forth.
Thank you.
The whole team are responsive and demonstrate a real desire to provide guidance across a range of disciplines. .
HM3 Legal delivered better service than expected and I would highly recommend them for wills and estate planning.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Probate dispute FAQs
Can I contest a will after probate has been granted?
Yes. It may still be possible to contest a will after probate has been granted, although acting quickly is important. The type of claim you wish to make and how much of the estate has already been distributed can affect your options. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible gives you the best chance of protecting your interests. HM3 Legal can assess your circumstances and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
What are the grounds for contesting a will?
A will can be challenged for several reasons, including lack of mental capacity, undue influence, fraud, forgery, verbal agreements, or failure to meet the legal requirements for creating a valid will. Every case depends on its individual facts and supporting evidence. An experienced probate dispute solicitor can review the circumstances surrounding the will and advise whether you have a reasonable prospect of bringing or defending a claim.
Who can make a probate dispute claim?
The people who can bring a probate dispute depend on the type of claim involved. Beneficiaries, executors, spouses, civil partners, children, cohabiting partners and financial dependants may all have legal rights in certain situations. Whether you are challenging a will, making an inheritance claim or disputing the administration of an estate, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your position and the options available to you.
How long do I have to make a probate dispute claim?
Time limits vary depending on the type of probate dispute. For example, claims under the Inheritance Act generally need to be made within six months of probate being granted, while other disputes may have different limitation periods. Missing a deadline could affect your ability to pursue a claim, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you believe you have grounds for a dispute.
Can an executor be removed if they are not acting properly?
Yes, in certain circumstances the court can remove or replace an executor who is failing to carry out their duties correctly. This may happen if there has been unnecessary delay, conflicts of interest, financial misconduct or a breakdown in communication that prevents the estate from being administered properly according to the legal process. HM3 Legal can advise whether there are sufficient grounds to challenge the appointment of an executor and guide you through the legal process.
Do all probate disputes go to court?
No. Many probate disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without the need for formal court proceedings. Reaching an agreement outside of court can often save time, reduce legal costs and minimise additional stress for everyone involved. Where an agreement cannot be reached, court action may become necessary. Our solicitors will always explore non-court options and the most appropriate route while protecting your legal interests throughout the dispute.
Can I challenge a will if I have been left out completely?
Being excluded from a will does not automatically mean you can challenge it, but you may have legal options depending on your relationship with the deceased and the circumstances of the estate. In some cases, you may be able to make a claim under the Inheritance Act if reasonable financial provision has not been made for you. HM3 Legal can assess your eligibility and explain the options available.
