Wills — what are ‘no contest’ or ‘forfeiture’ clauses and are they legally enforceable?
Such clauses state that if a beneficiary contests the Will and doesn’t succeed, they’ll forfeit their inheritance.
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Contentious probate solicitors in Preston, Lancashire
Based in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, our talented, nationally-recognised contentious probate team serves the entire Lancashire region.
Our contentious probate legal services for Lancashire
The contesting of Wills, estates and trusts is a highly unique area of law. Our solicitors work solely in this field. This enables us to offer practical, strategic advice of the highest standard, resolving your dispute quickly, efficiently and sensitively.
- Challenging a Will — if you have concerns about whether a Will accurately reflects the last wishes of a deceased person, we can help. We're experienced in the investigation, interpretation and contesting of Wills. We also support those looking to defend challenges to a Will.
- Executor and trustee misconduct — we act for beneficiaries who believe that an executor is failing in their duties when administering an estate. We also provide advice to executors who are facing these claims or may be unsure about what's required of them.
- Financial or economic abuse — those requiring assistance with their finances can be vulnerable to exploitation. We can advise in circumstances where suspicions have been aroused involving lifetime gifts and transactions, either during the lifetime of the alleged victim or after they’ve passed away.
- Inheritance Act claims — if someone doesn’t receive reasonable financial provision under a Will (or under the intestacy rules, if no Will exists), they have the ability to bring an Inheritance Act claim to ask the Court to vary the provisions.
Disputing a Will, estate or trust can be emotionally challenging. With decades of experience, we're perfectly placed to support you through this process.
We work on contentious probate cases of all types and complexities, including high-net-worth cases involving complex estates. Our lawyers will work closely with you to develop a tailored strategy to achieve the optimal outcome.
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Serving Lancashire with warmth, talent and experience
Founded in 1815, we're one of the largest law firms in the North, with over 500 experts ready to serve you. As well as contentious probate, we offer the full range of legal services for individuals and businesses. You’re in the best hands.
We’ve been acknowledged in The Legal 500’s 2025 Top Tier and Hall of Fame, commended by peers in The Times Best Law Firms and recognised as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK by Best Companies.
Our team covers the entire Lancashire region — including Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley and Lancaster — and beyond. We can meet you in-person at our exclusive, state-of-the-art office space or we can work for you remotely.
Meet our inheritance dispute experts
Contact our team
Our friendly team can be reached by phoning 0113 518 5100 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Alternatively, you can email hello@brabners.com or use the button below and fill in our contact form.
“Brabners' contentious trusts and probate are extremely knowledgeable... an invaluable service which is prompt and always professional... empathetic and understanding.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500 2026
“Nicola Turner has been very efficient with all my legal needs... kind, thoughtful, understanding legal counsel... [she] works tirelessly for her clients, has passion and dedication to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500 2026
“The specialist contentious trusts and probate team at Brabners advises domestic and international clients on a broad range of matters relating to the resolution of disputes and the administration of estates, including challenges to the validity of Wills, Court of Protection proceedings and Charity Act matters involving trustees. The ‘engaging and solution-focused' practice head Nicola Turner is a contentious trusts and probate expert with strong commercial capabilities.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Nicola Turner took instructions and immediately formulated a strategy to deal with what became a lengthy and difficult case. At each stage, she had a clear vision of what the next stage looked like and was able to drive the other parties’ responses with great skill — allowing her to carry out in-depth comparisons of the responses and evidence provided by the other party. She advised and managed my expectations, so any decisions made were fact-based and provided a pathway to the eventual result. I have no hesitation in recommending Nicola.”
Will validity challenge defendant
“I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for agreeing to take on our situation, the support and guidance you have given to us and your professionalism at all times. It has been a very difficult time... reading your emails and following your suggested route to proceed has kept us strong and more determined, which we sincerely thank you for. We can't express in words how much we appreciate everything you've done.”
Anonymous wills and probate client
“Thank you so much, Nicola [Turner]. Please know that you have made a huge difference to my son’s life and my own — and we are hugely grateful for all that you have done. This is truly the first time in over four years where I don’t feel like I am carrying a ton of lead weight with me everywhere. We can finally begin to live again.”
Client feedback
We're a purpose-led independent law firm, proudly anchored in the North.
Our independence allows us to be objective, principled and serve our communities with heart and personality.
Through the Brabners Foundation, we aim to make a real difference for our people and our communities across Lancashire and the North of England.
In 2022, we became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside of London) to become B Corp certified — an independent recognition that we're purpose-driven, committed to creating benefits for all stakeholders and operating as a force for good.
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Insights about inheritance disputes
Statutory Wills — what are they, when do you need one and the application process explained
Here, Sarah Murphy — a Partner in our estate planning team — explains more about the purpose of a Statutory Will and the application process.
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Homemade Will written on cardboard boxes found to be valid by High Court
The homemade Will was found to be valid, resulting in a charity inheriting £180,000 in place of the testator’s family members.
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Contact our Preston-based contentious probate experts
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