Some really insightful statistics published – I was surprised to read that 3 out of 4 people will be involved in a will dispute. But there are steps that testators can take to minimise the risk of this :
1. Have a professionally drafted Will prepared by a solicitor
2. Choose appropriate Executors
3. Take advice if you think there is likely to be a dispute
When I think of my own caseload, I can certainly relate to the statistics around male Wills being the subject of dispute, and usually between siblings. I have also acted for a few neighbours in connection with will disputes, no ‘colleagues’ as yet !
I have recently acted for clients who anticipate disputes in relation to wills and property after they die, and been able to take action to protect their position.
The costs of litigating these disputes runs into the tens of thousands, prevention is better than cure…. contact me if you need advice : claire.cox@hedgeslaw.co.uk
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If you would like any advice on resolving Wills, Inheritance, Trusts & Probate Disputes, or to understand grounds for contesting a Will then do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated inheritance disputes team.
Three in four UK adults likely to experience a will dispute
New research from IBB Law reveals key statistics around will disputes. In January 2022, IBB Law conducted a survey of 1,000 UK citizens who had been involved in a will, inheritance, or probate dispute over the past 10 years, asking various questions about their experience. The study took a deep dive into matters associated with inheritance disputes and contested wills and probate, including the reasons people have disputed a will and what they stood to gain from such a dispute. IBB Laws research uncovered that 3 in 4 people are likely to experience a will, inheritance, or probate dispute in their lifetime, and that inheritance disputes among siblings are the most common form of dispute.