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Contested Wills & Estate Disputes

Disputes often arise around the distribution of an estate following a death.  Spouses, children or dependants of the deceased may believe that they were not properly provided for under the will, or that the will does not reflect the deceased’s intention.  Further disputes may arise over the conduct of the executor.

Whether you are an executor trying to meet your obligations, someone who believes they were not properly provided for under the terms of a will, or are a person concerned about the will being followed, we have the experience and knowledge to help. Email us today.

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Contesting A Will
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Defending A Will
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Dying Without A Will (Intestacy)
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Other Wills & Probate Disputes
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No win, no fee policy

Segelov Taylor are committed to provide high quality legal services on accessible and reasonable terms.  Legal costs should not be the impediment to people enforcing their legal rights.

Because we are a specialist, boutique firm with less overheads than some of the larger, generalist firms, we provide very high quality legal services at a lower price.

Prior to commencing the claim we will provide a costs disclosure which clearly sets out the fee arrangements.  In proceedings where we act for a claimant in contesting a will, we generally act on a no win, no fee basis.

For more detailed general information about our fees in wills and estate matters, please see our fee policy page, or call us.

Common Questions

Our fees in wills and estate matters
What is the difference between challenging and contesting a will?
What time limits apply in wills matters?
Can I contest a will if I received something under it?
How long do claims take to complete?
Our fees in wills and estate matters

Segelov Taylor acts on a ‘no win no fee’ basis for individuals in family provision claims. This means if you are not successful you will not be charged for our costs incurred in litigating the claim. However, if you are not successful in your claim you may be order to pay the executor’s costs. It is therefore important you seek legal advice as to the merits of any claim before commencing proceedings.

If you are the executor of a Will where a family provision claim has been made you are entitled to have the cost of defending the claim paid by the estate. Read more…

What is the difference between challenging and contesting a will?

Contesting a will and challenging a will have very different meanings.

Challenging a will involves an allegation that the will is not valid and should not be accepted as the last will and testament of the deceased.

Contesting a will does not involve challenging the validity of the will.  Rather, it refers to making a claim under the Succession Act that the will does not make adequate provision for a claimant.

What time limits apply in wills matters?

A family provision claim must be filed within 12 months of the date of death. The court has a discretion to extend the time for the commencement of a claim if there is good reason for the delay.

Can I contest a will if I received something under it?

The fact that you received something under a will does not prevent you from bringing a claim contesting a will.

Rather, the crucial issues are whether you (a) are an eligible person (generally a spouse, child, or dependent), and (b) whether you received adequate provision under the will, taking into account all the relevant considerations.

How long do claims take to complete?

A claim is made by filing an application in Court along with a detailed Affidavit setting out the circumstances of the case. This must be done within 12 months of the date of death.  The estate will respond and file its own evidence.

The matter will then be listed for compulsory mediation. This is generally within 4-6 months of the claim being filed.  Most matters settle at mediation.

If a matter doesn’t settle at mediation, it will proceed to hearing. This will normally occurs within  12 and 18 months of the commencement of proceedings.

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