Inheritance Claims: Your Rights and Options
If you or your children were financially dependent on, living with, or in a close relationship (such as marriage or civil partnership) with someone who has died, you may be entitled to make a claim against their estate. This applies if:
- The deceased did not leave a will (intestate).
- Their will did not make reasonable financial provision for you.
Even adult children who were not financially supported by the deceased may have a claim in certain circumstances.
How Claims Work in England & Wales
Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, courts can award:
- Lump-sum payments from the estate.
- Property transfers (e.g., to secure housing for the claimant).
Decisions are based on the claimant’s needs, the estate’s value, and other factors as defined by law.
Time Limits & Urgency
Claims must be filed within strict deadlines. Acting quickly is critical because there are strict time limits for building such claims.
Who We Help
We advise:
- Potential claimants (including claims on behalf of children).
- Executors managing disputed estates.
- Beneficiaries concerned about claims reducing their inheritance.
- Will drafters seeking to minimise future disputes.
Our Approach
We prioritise practical solutions, including:
- Mediation to avoid court where possible.
- Sensitive handling of complex family tensions.
- Collaboration with specialists in family, employment, and property law for intricate cases.
If you’re facing an inheritance dispute, we provide clear, strategic advice to protect your interests while respecting the emotional challenges involved.