Inheritance Act Claims for Financial Provision Under The Inheritance and Dependants Act 1975

At Lupton Fawcett, we understand how difficult it is to consider an Inheritance Act Claim during a period of bereavement. Our experienced team is here to guide you with sensitivity, clarity, and legal precision. With offices in Leeds, Sheffield, and York, we are trusted by individuals and families across Yorkshire and throughout England and Wales to resolve financial provision claims as part of Inheritance Act Claims.

Whether you are seeking to claim additional provision from an estate, or defending an Inheritance Act claim brought against your inheritance, our solicitors will provide strategic advice and determined representation tailored to your circumstances. To speak to one of our specialist Inheritance Act Claims Solicitors in confidence, call us today or complete the enquiry form.

At Lupton Fawcett, our team of Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes Solicitors is widely recognised for its technical expertise and empathetic client care. We have a strong track record of successfully representing spouses, cohabitees, children, dependants, and estate representatives in a wide range of claims under the Inheritance Act.

Led by Kate Saunders, a senior solicitor with over a decade of dedicated experience in contentious estates, and Sam Hirst, a skilled litigator known for resolving emotionally complicated matters, our team is accredited by the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors (ACTAPS) and regularly acts in high-value and sensitive disputes across the country.

We are known for achieving early, cost-effective outcomes through negotiation and mediation, but we are equally prepared to litigate complex cases to trial where needed. Our aim is always to protect your interests while minimising conflict and stress. Choosing Lupton Fawcett means choosing a firm that combines legal excellence with practical understanding. We are here to support you from the very first conversation through to resolution, whether inside or outside of court.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, commonly referred to as the Inheritance Act, allows certain people to apply to the Court for reasonable financial provision from the estate of someone who has died, if that provision has not been made for them in the Will or under the rules of intestacy.

While individuals are generally free to leave their estate as they wish, the law recognises that, in some circumstances, this freedom may result in unfairness, particularly where someone was financially dependent on the deceased or shared a close family relationship. The Inheritance Act provides a vital legal safety net for those who have been left in financial difficulty following a death.

An Inheritance Act claim does not seek to challenge the validity of the Will itself. Instead, it allows the Court to adjust the distribution of the estate to ensure that reasonable provision is made for the applicant, based on their financial needs and the circumstances of the case. At Lupton Fawcett, we advise clients on both sides of Inheritance Act claims, whether you are bringing a claim for greater provision, or defending an estate against one. Our team provides clear, compassionate advice from the outset, helping you understand your rights and what outcomes may be realistically achieved.

Inheritance Act claims can arise in many different family structures and life circumstances. While each case is unique, certain patterns frequently appear. Understanding these can help you assess whether a claim may be appropriate.

Disputes often arise where a person has been financially dependent on the deceased, but the Will or intestacy rules leave them with nothing or too little. For example, a long-term partner may find themselves excluded entirely from the estate, even after decades of living together. Similarly, adult children who were receiving regular support may be left without adequate provision due to strained relationships or the influence of new partners.

We also see claims involving second families, where a Will favours children from a new relationship while excluding a former spouse or adult children from a previous marriage. In some cases, carers or close friends who provided significant support may find themselves unfairly left out despite the deceased having taken steps to help them in life. Whatever the background, if the lack of provision leaves you in financial need, the Inheritance Act may offer a route to redress. Our solicitors will assess your position in full and advise you clearly on the prospects of success.

If the court agrees that reasonable financial provision has not been made, it has wide powers to vary the distribution of the estate. The type of award made will depend on the claimant’s needs, the nature of the estate, and the facts of the case.

Common outcomes include:

Our role is to help you understand what is realistic in your case and pursue an outcome that meets your needs both now and in the future. We are experienced in negotiating settlements and securing court orders that reflect our clients’ true financial position.

At Lupton Fawcett, we recognise that Inheritance Act claims often arise at a time of deep personal loss and heightened family tension. Our role is to reduce the stress and uncertainty for you by providing calm, decisive legal guidance at every stage of your case.

We begin by carefully reviewing your circumstances, the terms of the Will or intestacy, and the financial position of the estate. From the outset, we provide clear, honest advice about the strength of your claim, your eligibility, and the likely outcome, so you can make informed decisions from the very start.

Many Inheritance Act claims can be resolved without going to court. We are experienced in handling negotiations sensitively but firmly, and we regularly represent clients in mediation, a structured process that gives both parties a chance to reach agreement with the help of an independent mediator.

Mediation can be particularly effective in preserving family relationships and reducing legal costs. Our solicitors are skilled in preparing for and participating in mediation, ensuring you are fully supported throughout.

When a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to pursue or defend your claim through the courts. Our solicitors have substantial litigation experience, including representation in the High Court and County Court in both straightforward and highly complex disputes. You can rely on us to represent your interests with determination and expertise, while keeping you informed at every step. Whether your matter involves a modest estate or substantial, multi-jurisdictional assets, we will tailor our approach to meet your needs and objectives.

Inheritance Act claims can be deeply personal and legally intricate. Whether you are seeking to secure financial provision from a loved one’s estate or need to protect your position as a beneficiary or executor, expert legal advice is essential.

At Lupton Fawcett, we provide practical, compassionate, and results-driven advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We understand the emotional and financial pressure that often accompanies inheritance disputes, and our priority is to resolve your matter as swiftly and sensitively as possible.

Lupton Fawcett is a Top 200 UK law firm. We have highly experienced solicitors based in  Leeds, Sheffield, and York, serving clients in Inheritance Act Claims in Bradford, Hull, Manchester, Nottingham, London and across England and Wales. Our team is also experienced in representing international clients involved in UK inheritance disputes, with a strong track record in handling high-value claims.

To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our specialist Inheritance Act solicitors, call us, email us, or complete the enquiry form below. We will respond promptly and are here to help you take the next step.