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
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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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 - Would like to place on record my thanks to Chris Miller who worked on our case. Great support and hard work to ensure we came out with a positive outcome. Would not hesitate to contact or recommend Chris, Justin and team to help with any future cases. Thanks again, Joe
Joe Pollock
8/15/2019 - I have recently used Barrett & Co to assist me with my divorce and can only say good words about the experience. Paul Wild especially not only provided reassuring advice, but his professionalism (and indeed, that of everyone at Barrett & Co) made me feel supported throughout the whole process, and left me with the feeling that he genuinely cared about my situation. The level of dedication displayed by not only Paul but also Richard Ince in the conveyancing team was top notch, in particular when turning work around within tight timescales, and keeping me appraised throughout so nothing came as a surprise. I will definitely use Barrett & Co for any legal needs in the future - very highly recommended!
James Bigus
8/15/2019 - Barrett & Co come highly recommended. I recently worked with Alan Warnes on a property sale that was very complicated due to changes in the lease, and dealing with difficult and lengthy queries from the buyer's solicitors, and Alan guided me expertly through the process. His tenacity, patience, legal expertise and good humour were greatly appreciated. I have used Barrett & Co's services for previous property purchases and sales, for declarations of trust, and one of the partners also became executor to my parent's estate several years ago. They are very professional, and also warm, friendly solicitors to work with. I would not hesitate to engage them again if the need arises.
Nicola Smyth
8/06/2019 - Thanking Justin Sadler and Chris Miller for being so welcoming, understanding, supportive, very dedicated to our situation. They are very professional and a very committed legal team! Also the receptionists were always welcoming and kind. I would highly recommend Barrett and Co Solicitors in the first instance!
Miranda
8/01/2019 - I had Justin Sadler work with me, giving excellent advice and general support with a very difficult, complex case against an ex-business partner. Happy to say that I got a full settlement before going to court, as with that advice, I was in a very strong, empowered position to emphatically 'win' my case without incurring additional court costs!
Chris Voysey
7/31/2019 - Jane Whitfield was friendly and professional and I found the process of making a will to be easy and straightforward. I would thoroughly recommend.
Elaine Sutton
7/29/2019
