Dispute Resolution
Probate Disputes, also known as contentious probate, are disputes about someone’s estate following their death. Navigating through contentious probate issues requires a delicate balance of legal expertise and empathy. Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in resolving disputes related to wills and probate, ensuring that our clients' rights and interests are protected.
Our solicitors have extensive experience handling various types of will validity claims, including:
Lack of Testamentary Capacity: When there are concerns about the testator's mental capacity at the time of making the will.
Want of Knowledge & Approval: Where the testator did not know or understand the contents of a will they signed
Undue Influence: If there are suspicions that the testator was coerced or manipulated into making certain provisions in the will.
Fraud or Forgery: Cases where the authenticity of the will is called into question due to fraudulent activity or forgery.
Under the Inheritance Act 1975, people with a specified relation to the deceased may be entitled to make a claim against an estate if they believe they have not been adequately provided for in the deceased's will.
Our solicitors offer comprehensive guidance on navigating these complex claims, whether acting for a party making a claim or defending one, ensuring that our clients understand their rights and options under the law.
Proprietary estoppel cases often arise when individuals have relied on promises or assurances made by the deceased regarding inheritance or property rights.
Our solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling proprietary estoppel claims, helping our clients seek fair and just outcomes in these often emotionally charged situations.
At John Hodge Solicitors, we understand that every client and case is unique. That's why we take the time to listen carefully to our clients' concerns and fully understand their individual circumstances. We believe in providing personalised legal advice tailored to each client's needs, ensuring that they are empowered to make informed decisions about their future.
We will explore with you the different funding options that might be available, including Conditional Fee Agreements (“no win, no fee”), Legal expenses Insurance and competitive hourly rates.
If your case is funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement, if your claim is successful, the success fee is deducted from your compensation, when your compensation is received. The success fee is case dependant. We may advise you to take insurance to support the funding of your claim. The insurance premium is deducted from your compensation in the event your claim is successful when the compensation is received. The amount of the premium depends upon the type of case and we will advise you if in your clam insurance is recommended and if so what the premium deductions from your compensation will be. Unless you abandon your claim against our advice you will pay the success fee and insurance premium. In some cases where the amount of costs that you can claim from your opponent are fixed, we may require a limited shortfall to be paid from your compensation, but if this applies to your case, we will tell you at the start. You will also need to pay disbursements, which are the costs related to your matter which are payable to third parties, such as expert report fees but if your claim is successful we seek to recover the cost from your opponent.
With offices conveniently located throughout the South West, we are accessible to clients across the region. Whether you are based in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston super Mare and Yatton or beyond, our team is ready to provide the legal support you need.
If you need help, advice or guidance with a probate dispute, contact John Hodge Solicitors today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced solicitors. Let us put our expertise to work for you and help you navigate the complexities of a probate dispute with confidence and peace of mind.
What our clients say
"John Hodge Solicitors… large enough to know what they are doing but small enough to care."
"Prompt, attentive and friendly personnel and efficiency of responses, Very happy with the service provided. Thank you."
"I was very pleased with your service. I was visited at my home, I really appreciated this as I was unable to get out due to illness, thank you."
"The way in which I was dealt with was of a very high standard and therefore very suitable to recommend, very honest and straightforward."
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