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
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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 - Once again I’ve needed to call on Justin Sandler professional advice and support relating to an employment dispute in recent weeks .
Having previously used Barrett and Co for redundancy settlement, and some property boundary challenges stretching back over 14 years.
Highly recommend for friendly and competitive charged advice and support. Justin gets to grips with the issues quickly, and delivers a realistic timely resolution !
Jo Bayliss-Binks
11/18/2019 - Many thanks to Justin Sadler and Chris Miller for their very helpful advice in our efforts to recover outstanding professional fees. We found their clear explanation of the legal position and their suggested approach to the case both very practical and efficient.
Richard Ibbett
11/14/2019 - I decided to update my Will recently and Vanessa at Barrett and Co Solificitors kindly helped. Extremely professional, friendly and understanding and put my mind at complete ease. Cannot thank them enough or rate them more highly. THANK YOU!
Lucy Roper
11/01/2019 - Justin provided me with legal council on behalf of Barrett and Co. I would highly recommend the initial consultation, as this helped outline the matter and provide me with possible options. Justin is personable, clear and concise and I would definitely recommend his services.
Josh
10/08/2019 - 'I had no prior knowledge of this firm, until I telephoned the office based on Google reviews and with only a few days left prior to the case unfolding, the pressure was really on!! The approach of every staff member was gentle, caring and unusually courteous. I was terrified at the prospect of my chances, especially as the other side had considerable experience in court. Both Justin Sadler and Chris Miller were warm, sympathetic, calm and completely unperturbed; they immediately suggested a way forward and then recommended their choice of Counsel. I had my doubts and was like a rabbit in headlights; Chris carefully guided me through the process and kept me calm throughout. The result was an outright victory. An amazing result, delivered with care, attention and I was charged less than the amount of work actually delivered! A highly unusual firm of solicitors. Huge thanks to Chris/Justin.
Honeyflower
9/30/2019
