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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From start to finish these guys made me feel at ease during a turbulent time. First class service from all who I death with so I highly recommend them. 
Mo Elliot
5/06/2020 - Vanessa Ruparel helped me to write my will after I re-married. She also sorted out my uncle's probate, which was more complicated than we anticipated. I have used Barrett & Co before many years ago when I divorced, so I didn't hesitate to use them again. They always give a quote up front for their work and if there are any problems and costs change they inform you and get your approval. I would never hesitate to recommended them (and I have done so). Thank you for all your help.
Pam Bryant
4/17/2020 - Used Barrett and Co extensively with my business and recently for a personal matter, excellent service on all occasions, you only get what you pay for, would have no hesitation in recommending their services. A big thank you to Vanessa for all her advice and assistance.
George Darling
4/17/2020 - Sometime ago I used Barrett and Co to create a will using Will Aid and it was a friendly and simple process. I have recently been made redundant so I went for an hours fixed fee meeting to discuss my settlement agreement, again this was a very informative meeting and helped me understand the process and provide me with useful questions to ask.
Keith Harris
3/30/2020 - Paul Wild is the best solicitor you can wish for. I benefited from his crucial law experience and wisdom. Excellent customer service.
Sue French
3/05/2020 - During the process of repossession proceedings against my tenant I felt reassured by the open and honest advice I received from Chris Miller. I was impressed by the efficient, professional and friendly service. I can highly recommend this company.
Eva Timlin
3/01/2020 - I had a very delicate but deeply personal matter that I needed professional legal help with.in short it involved a matter of my father's will,inheritance and money owed to me from a sibling.After much research I contacted Justin at Barrett and co.After an hours consultation with him and Hilary Buckle I gained the confidence to take further steps.it was in their mannerism and approach and they even gave me a written quote detailing exactly what stage they would charge me for ,and even this quote was much lower than other specialst solicitors .They were so considerate with me and their reputation so high that my sister instantly gave me large sum of money owed to me and as a bonus all siblings have begun mending our relationship.
azam khan
2/06/2020 - 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
