Inheritance disputes and Contentious probate
Inheritance disputes are as varied as the families affected by them but the more typical disputes usually include the following:
· Not receiving a large enough share of the deceased's estate in accordance with the Will or under the rules of intestacy;
· Unlikely gifts made by a relative late in his or her life;
· Wills allegedly lost or destroyed;
· Wills made under duress;
· Wills made by the deceased when they might have lacked mental capacity;
· Allegations of property being misappropriated by relatives either before or after the death;
· Forged wills;
· Disputes between executors and beneficiaries;
At the time of bereavement relatives often feel emotional and if an inheritance dispute arises it can very easily become acrimonious. Starting or defending an inheritance claim is stressful. The opposing parties often see each other as the obstacle to a fair settlement. When this happens an agreement and a family reconciliation is unlikely to happen. Acting with expert advice can avoid this and greatly improve the chances of obtaining a quick and fair settlement.
Peter Ellicott is an expert in this field. He is an associate member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
ACTAPS is a body of solicitors and barristers who have chosen to specialise in the field of contentious probate. ATAPS will only invite members to join after they have completed the ACTAPS three-year proficiency course. The course is internationally respected and jointly run with the College of Law.
As an associate member of ACTAPS Peter Ellicott has the specialist knowledge to efficiently manage inheritance disputes with care and understanding. From the outset he will maintain an objective approach. This is essential if you want to achieve a positive and speedy outcome. And where a pre-trial agreement is not possible he will manage the litigation so as to minimise his client's costs.
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