We offer expert and sensitive legal advice for inheritance tax and probate disputes, following the death of a family member or someone close to you.
Unfortunately, disputes over Wills, Trusts and Inheritance are increasingly common as families become more dispersed and their structures more complicated. Contesting a Will, Trust or Inheritance, whether you are bringing the claim or on the receiving end of it, is never an easy process.
Our dedicated Contentious Probate team, led by Hilary Buckle and Justin Sadler, is here to help. It includes a qualified member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists), which is the kite mark of excellence in this specialist area of law.
Fixed fee initial meeting for inheritance and probate disputes…
Initial advice can be given via a one hour fixed fee meeting for £95. Thereafter, we will give you an estimate and we will not exceed that estimate without getting your permission first.
If appropriate, we will offer you a fixed fee for a fixed amount of work. We also offer Pay As You Go Legal Service, whereby you only pay for the legal services you want us to help you with, if you decide to do some of the routine work yourself and feel able to.
Out of court settlements for contentious probate cases
We are delighted that most cases we deal with result in settlement rather than trial at court. It is often worth considering mediation in which we have considerable experience as well as in other alternative dispute resolution procedures and we can advise you on negotiation tactics and strategy.
Where matters do escalate, our specialist litigators have the skill and expertise to handle a case all the way through to a court trial.
Our team can advise you on all aspects in this area, including the following:
- The deceased has not made sufficient provision for you in their will; or the Intestacy Rules (where a will is invalid or does not exist) do not sufficiently provide for you. This could be because of a change in your circumstances or in your financial dependence on the deceased;
- The deceased made promises to you when they were still alive which have not been kept in the will, particularly with regard to the disposal of the estate;
- The will was not signed properly or is otherwise invalid;
- There is a factual error in the will, indicating a claim for amending the will or trust;
- The original will has been lost;
- Disputes over the identification of beneficiaries;
- Breaches of trust or a need to remove or substitute executors, personal representatives or trustees who are failing to act appropriately;
- Disputes relating to trusts and charities or statutory wills;
- Professional negligence claims relating to trusts and estates.
- You believe that the deceased did not have the mental capacity to make a will;
- Someone has coerced the deceased into making a will;
If you are concerned about costs, please be assured that we will always provide you with an estimate based on the details of your case and our previous experience. It may be possible to fund the case through legal expenses insurance, which could even be tied in to your home insurance policy.
Get in touch
Justin deals with all aspects of Dispute Resolution for both businesses and individuals, including including Contentious Probate, Employment Law ( for both businesses and individuals) and Commercial Litigation. This means that he is familiar with the many different courts and tribunal as well as the many different methods for resolving disputes, including alternative dispute resolution such as adjudication and mediation.
If you would like to know more or arrange a fixed fee appointment, please call us on 01189 589711. Or email Justin Sadler at [email protected] or Hilary Buckle at [email protected]
Wills & Probate Testimonials
Several years ago a close friend told me how highly he respected Hilary Buckle's caring advice and professionalism as a family solicitor. Since then, I have had the pleasure of dealing with Hilary at Barrett & Co with regard to both Lasting Powers of Attorney and also the redrafting of my Will, and have to say that her practical, down to earth approach was at all times a breath of fresh air, and gave me confidence that I had made the right decisions. My occasional contact with other members of the firm was also a pleasant experience at all times.
November 2019– David Pellett
We found the whole experience of writing our will very quick and simple. We thought Charlotte was brilliant, very knowledgeable and explained everything in simple English! Thank you.
May 2017– Mrs R McLaughlin
I recently used the services of Ms Vanessa Ruparel at Barrett and Co to prepare a Will on my behalf. She was extremely professional and also gave me some excellent practical advice. This enabled me to consider some alternative ways to deal with my estate and overcome some tricky issues that were concerning me, to ensureall my loved ones are adequately provided for. I am very pleased with the outcome which has been made possible through her much appreciated assistance.
January 2020– Anonymous
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I used Barrett and Co for my will via the Will Aid scheme. They were very professional, efficient and friendly. They took time to explain things simply and effectively - offering advice on the implications of different scenarios and ensuring I 'future proofed' my will. Very pleased with the service all round. Charlotte Fox was excellent. 
Gilly Lea
1/22/2020 - Very professional and extremely thoughtful. We choose to complete our Wills through Barrett and Co twice, and both times they have made it a simple and efficient service. We would highly recommend.
Mark Ayckbourn
1/02/2020 - Upon needing some much needed employment related legal advice I was very lucky to come across Barrett and Co. The whole process was fluid, simple, yet professional right through from my initial enquiry to leaving the office happy and eased of mind. I would highly recommend Barrett and Co to anyone that requires legal advice of any nature; my particular case, whilst not overly complicated, regardless left me wanting reassurance and security. A quick call, appointment booking, and a 1 hour meeting with Justin later provided me with both.
Jack Earith
12/23/2019 - I found Barrett & Co via a search on Will Aid 2019 and was lucky enough to get an appointment with Vanessa Ruparel, one of the Solicitors. The whole process of getting our wills done was very smooth and professional. Service was of high quality and very friendly. I would certainly recommend Barrett & Co. Many thanks Vannessa 🙂
Neil Cockburn
12/20/2019 - I found Justin Sadler and his support team very knowledgeable, and they supported us very professionally through our case. They not only had the right legal and procedural knowledge but also the practical experience of handling cases to guide us through a difficult process. Well recommended.
Tony Butcher
12/16/2019 - Absolutely first class support and service. Mr.Wild who has been not only a great support but also a friend. He fought my corner and was understanding of my exceptional circumstances and the whole team have been amazing. The receptionist is first class everytime, very attentive when I went to the offices and knew who I was when I rang, made me feel supported st every step. Highly recommend this service
Fred Swanborough
12/01/2019 - I have used Barrett & Co on several occasions and had excellent service from them. Richard Ince and his team have just completed the purchase of a house for myself, they were always on top of any issues and concerns from myself and the seller's solicitors and brought to my attention any points that they had concerns about. They could always be contacted and sent regular updates. I would definitely use them again
David Newman
11/27/2019 - Thank you to Chris Miller sorting out the payment issue with advertising company but decision not gone my way in the Court. Chris done everything he can and I will be using this firm for my future assistance if needed. Thank you again Chris.
Kathirgamanathan Balendran
11/27/2019
