Contentious Probate
Losing a loved one is never easy. It can get even harder if you need to handle a contentious probate dispute relating to the testator’s wishes or claiming what you believe you are entitled to. Getting early expert legal representation in these circumstances is vital. At Parker Harrison, we provide expert legal representation that can provide you with the guidance you need to achieve a successful outcome.
We can assist you whether you may have a dispute over the estate’s value, the interpretation of a will, or an executor who is not carrying out the deceased’s wishes.
An increasingly common type of contentious probate dispute we also deal with involve defending or bringing claims for a share in the deceased’s estate (Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependant) Act 1975 claims) where it is claimed that the will or the intestacy rules (where there is no will) has failed to make provisions for certain categories of people. These claims can be very complex and are time sensitive so it is important that early expert advice is sought.
Other types of probate matters which we deal with include disputes between executors and beneficiaries or co-executors or administrators, disputes over asset value and distribution or whether the designated executor is up to the task.
We can also help executors or personal representatives defend themselves. We understand that being an executor or a personal representative is a big responsibility. You need to make sure a deceased’s estate is distributed according to their wishes or in compliance with the intestacy rules. There are numerous duties and risks attached to this, and you must get effective representation to deal with any claims made by or against you. Parker Harrison Solicitors can help you determine if a particular claim is in the best interests of the deceased’s estate and its beneficiaries. We can also help you defend any claims made against you and allow you to carry out your duties much more easily.
Conversely, we can also help our clients take actions to remove executors. Friction between co-executors and beneficiaries can often interfere with the probate process. The executor may fail to comply with a will’s terms, mismanage the estate assets or abuse their authority.
Whatever the circumstances might be, Parker Harrison Solicitors have a great deal of experience in dealing with all types of probate matters including:
• Removal and appointment of executors
• Contesting a Will
• Challenging testamentary capacity
• Seeking provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependant) Act 1975
• Trustee claims
• Beneficiary claims
• Entering a caveat
• Misappropriation of estate funds and assets
Our aim is always to deal with defending your rights in a sensitive, pragmatic and cost-effective manner. Like the courts, we encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation to avoid the expense and cost of bringing court proceedings. If however it becomes necessary to take the matter to court, we have the necessary expertise to assist you in bringing the claim.
We have a range of options available to fund for such claims as we understand that often raising the finance to pursue these types of claims is not always easy.
We are dispute resolution lawyers located on the borders of Battersea and Clapham who can assist you wherever you might be. Consult Parker Harrison Solicitors and to get help with defending or bringing a claim relating to Deceased’s will or estate.
Probate
Estate administration or probate is the process where the deceased’s assets are managed and distributed to their beneficiaries under the terms of their will or under the intestacy rules (where there is no will).
Whether there is a will or no will, we can handle all the necessary legalities and process to ensure that the estate is dealt with effectively and quickly.
Administration of an estate can get challenging particularly where a will may be invalid or due to the size of the deceased’s estate, the legacies left to beneficiaries, and addressing taxation issues.
Having a probate solicitor who is well-versed with probate and estate administration can simplify things to a large extent. We are a full service law firm that will be with you every step of the way.
Parker Harrison Solicitors provides full probate services including obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and estate administration. We can also assist you in the payment of estate debts to the right creditors, selling estate assets, and dealing with the Inheritance tax and other estate taxes (if applicable).
We have a commitment to helping our clients with dealing with the funding aspects of the probate process and therefore have a range of options available to deal with such issues whether it be the inheritance tax, probate costs or legal fees.
