Wills, trusts and estates disputes
Inheritance Dispute Lawyers for all matters surrounding Wills, Trusts & Estates
Disputes involving wills, trusts, and estates are among the most emotionally and legally challenging issues families can face. Whether you have been unexpectedly left out of a loved one’s Will, are concerned about how an estate is being administered, or are involved in a disagreement over a trust, these situations can be deeply distressing, especially when combined with bereavement and family tension.
At Lupton Fawcett, our dedicated Estate Disputes Team offers clear, compassionate, and decisive legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. With offices in Leeds, Sheffield and York, and a proud reputation for resolving contentious estate matters across Yorkshire and throughout England & Wales, we are here to protect your interests and help you move forward.
Led by highly regarded solicitors Kate Saunders and Sam Hirst, our team brings decades of experience in handling even the most sensitive and high-value disputes. Whether you are seeking early settlement or need robust representation in court, we will guide you through every step with empathy, clarity and focus. If you are involved in a dispute over inheritance or the administration of an estate, contact us today on 0113 280 2283 or complete the enquiry form below to speak with one of our specialists in confidence.
Why choose Lupton Fawcett?
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference when dealing with a dispute over an estate. At Lupton Fawcett, we are proud to be recognised as one of the leading firms for contentious Wills, Trusts and Estate matters in England and Wales. Our dedicated team combines technical excellence with a deeply personal approach, ensuring that every client receives strategic legal guidance alongside compassionate support.
Our lawyers have significant experience in all aspects of disputed estates including non-court settlement of disputes and litigation where necessary as a last resort. We have a proven track record of resolving disputes efficiently and effectively. Whether the solution lies in skilled negotiation, formal mediation or court proceedings, we provide practical, realistic advice tailored to your unique situation.
Our team of recognised experts in this field are known not only for their legal knowledge, but for the clarity, reassurance and determination they bring to every case. Their leadership ensures that our clients benefit from one of the most experienced and respected Estate Disputes Teams in the region.
“Sam (Hirst) represented me and my family in connection with some issues with my late fathers estate. We found Sam to be a good listener and could rely on her to come up with solutions to resolve the issues we faced, she was professional and reassuring at all times. Sam made a very hard time much easier to deal with and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar situation.”
“I strongly recommend and can provide references to anyone thinking of hiring Sam (Hirst) to help navigate a probate / family dispute. She is calm, expert and always on point. She is a complete star of a solicitor and I cannot recommend her more highly. Very satisfied clients.”
“Sam (Hirst) is one of the best probate dispute lawyers I have ever come across. Sam’s ability to calmly stride through complex legal and family issues – is a rare talent. She is also responsive, caring and cost aware at all time. A superb mix and I was very lucky to find her for my client.”
“I highly recommend Sam (Hirst) for conduct of family inheritance / property disputes. We would have been lost without her calm and wise manner. It is obvious from the get go that she is used to dealing with contested matters between relatives. Sam’s expertise and practical approach was both reassuring and effective to achieve the resolution that was in the best interests of everyone. She was also 100% accurate with her costs estimate! Very happy client, thank you Sam!”
What are Inheritance and Estate Disputes?
Disputes related to inheritance are legal conflicts that can concern the will of a person, before or after their death, as well as how their estate is managed, distributed or interpreted. These disputes can be highly personal and involve family members, so they can become both emotionally and legally challenging.
Such matters may involve questions about whether a Will is legally valid, concerns over the behaviour of executors or trustees, or claims that someone has been unfairly excluded or inadequately provided for. In other cases, disputes can relate to the terms or administration of a trust, allegations of misappropriated assets, or arguments over funeral wishes and burial arrangements.
Disagreements can arise whether or not a valid Will exists. Even when a Will has been drafted professionally, issues may still emerge around its content, interpretation, or the circumstances in which it was made. If there is no Will, the rules of intestacy apply, which can also lead to conflict among surviving family members or dependants who feel they have been overlooked. At Lupton Fawcett, we understand that no two cases are ever the same. Every family has its own dynamics and every estate has its own challenges. That is why we provide advice that is not only legally accurate but also sensitively tailored to reflect the realities you are facing.
Why disputes arise
Inheritance disputes can occur for many reasons, often when expectations are not met or where communication has broken down. In many cases, tensions that have built up over time within families come to the surface after the death of a loved one, particularly when money, property or treasured possessions are involved.
Disputes commonly arise in blended families, where children from previous relationships may feel excluded or unfairly treated. In other instances, late changes to a Will can raise suspicions, especially if made at a time when the deceased was unwell or dependent on others. Allegations of undue influence or concerns about mental capacity often follow.
Problems can also occur where there is no Will and the estate must be distributed according to strict intestacy rules. These rules do not always reflect the complexities of modern family life and may leave certain individuals, including unmarried partners or stepchildren, without any inheritance at all.
We regularly see disputes involving executors or trustees who are accused of failing to act properly, whether through delay, lack of transparency, or financial mismanagement. In other cases, disagreements arise over the ownership of specific assets or the treatment of lifetime gifts made before death. Whatever the background, we are here to provide clear advice, practical solutions and unwavering support to help resolve the issues in a way that protects your rights and preserves important relationships wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inheritance Disputes
Some claims are subject to strict legal deadlines, and missing these can mean losing the right to take action altogether.
Claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, for example, must usually be issued within six months of the date on which the Grant of Probate is obtained. While the court does have discretion to allow claims outside this timeframe, these extensions are not guaranteed and should never be relied upon without compelling justification.
Other types of claims, such as challenges to the validity of a Will on the grounds of undue influence, lack of capacity or fraud, do not have such rigid timeframes. However, it is still vital to act quickly. Delays can affect the availability of evidence and the willingness of the court to intervene, particularly if the estate has already been distributed. Trust disputes and breach of duty claims against executors or trustees may also be subject to limitation periods, depending on the specific nature of the complaint. In some cases, a claim must be brought within six years from the date of the breach, but this varies depending on the circumstances.
Not necessarily. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without the need for court proceedings. Our team will always explore the possibility of settling your case amicably and cost-effectively before taking legal action. If court involvement becomes necessary, we will represent you robustly and keep you fully informed throughout.
Yes. For example, claims made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 must usually be issued within six months of the Grant of Probate. Other claims, such as those challenging the validity of a Will, may not have strict deadlines, but acting promptly is crucial. We can advise you on the specific deadlines that apply to your situation.
If you’ve been contacted by another party or solicitor regarding a dispute, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. These letters often include important deadlines and legal implications. Our team can review the correspondence, explain your position, and help you respond appropriately to protect your interests.
Pursuing or defending an inheritance claim does come at a cost. As these costs can escalate depending on the complexity of the dispute, it is important that careful consideration is given to how you are going to fund your legal cost.
Contact our Inheritance Dispute Solicitors Today
If you are facing a dispute involving an inheritance, will or estate, seeking early legal advice can make all the difference. At Lupton Fawcett, our experienced Inheritance Dispute Solicitors are here to provide the clear, strategic support you need to protect your position and resolve the matter effectively. Our team of specialists are on hand to guide and support you through this painful process and to ensure you are provided with all options available to you.
Many members of our specialist contentious probate team are members of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
We are based in Leeds, Sheffield, and York, and regularly act for clients across Yorkshire. Our reputation makes us the leading Inheritance Dispute Solicitors in Bradford, Doncaster and Hull. We are equally trusted by clients across the country, with a national client base spanning Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and London.
Whichever side we represent, we strive to help our clients to achieve a settlement out of court where possible. However, if a settlement is not possible, we have the necessary experience to take claims to trial. Where litigation is necessary, we will assist our clients to bring their Wills, trusts and estates disputes to court quickly and efficiently. With a strong track record in resolving even the most complex and high-value estate disputes, we are ready to support you wherever you are in England or Wales. To arrange a confidential consultation, call us today on 0113 280 2283, email us, or complete the enquiry form below. A member of our specialist team will respond promptly and discreetly.
“Lupton Fawcett go to great lengths to explain the legal framework surrounding the issue in question, including the pitfalls, and then work with you to agree a strategy to achieve a satisfactory outcome.”
The Legal 500