Can a Will be challenged due to dementia or Alzheimer’s? Understanding the legal position
A guide to testamentary capacity, common grounds for challenge and the factors that can influence the validity of a Will.
Contentious probate solicitors in Liverpool
Based at Exchange Flags in Liverpool city centre, our team of contentious probate solicitors provides expert legal advice surrounding disputed Wills, estates and trusts.
Contact our experts today
Contentious probate legal services we offer in Liverpool
We have extensive experience in resolving all manner of disputes surrounding Wills, estates and trusts.
- Challenging a Will — often, there can be concerns that a Will is invalid or does not represent the true wishes of the deceased person. We cover interpretation and validity and can also support those facing a challenge to a Will.
- Executor and trustee misconduct — we act for beneficiaries who have concerns about the handling of an estate by executors, trustees and personal representatives. We also help executors who are unsure about what is required of them.
- Financial abuse — when being assisted with finances, people can be vulnerable to exploitation. We can help with challenges against lifetime gifts or transactions that may be a result of financial abuse.
- Inheritance Act claims — under the Inheritance Act 1975, claims can be brought by a person who doesn’t receive reasonable financial provision under a Will (or under the intestacy rules, if no Will exists).
Our team works solely in the field of Wills, trusts and inheritance disputes, bringing decades of experience in this unique area of law.
This positions us perfectly to offer the very best standard of practical advice and develop a bespoke strategy to achieve the optimal resolution for your contentious probate issue.
We advise in relation all types of cases, including complex, high-value cases involving significant assets.
“Brabners is an outstanding firm. The way in which you manage our family’s affairs gives us genuine confidence and peace of mind — we quite literally sleep easier at night knowing that matters are in your hands.”
Brabners Personal client
“My sincere thanks to Brabners who came to my rescue with really sound and grounded guidance… I can now at last sleep well and now have the opportunity to embark on a new chapter in my life.”
Client feedback
“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.”
Will & inheritance disputes client
“Danielle Pawson is a thoughtful and capable practitioner, known for her attention to detail and empathetic approach in managing complex and sensitive matters. Clients immediately warm to her affable nature.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2027
“Nicola Turner's focus is always on achieving the best results for her clients… She is adept at combining empathy with professionalism. She gets the balance right, offering a service which combines the personal touch with the pragmatism required to get her client to where he or she needs to be. If I was ever to find myself embroiled in probate litigation, Nicola would be one of the people to whom I would turn.”
Mediator
“Where Nicola Turner scores particularly strongly is that her assessment of the merits and weaknesses of her cases is highly accurate. This allows her to deal with her cases in a very focused and efficient way which leads to good outcomes and a high degree of satisfaction from clients. Her direct and proactive manner leaves opponents in no doubt that she knows what she's doing, which is crucial in these types of disputes.”
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Serving Liverpool with warmth, talent and expertise since 1815
With over 500 experts ready to help you, we are one of the largest law firms in the North. As well as contentious probate, we offer the full range of legal services for individuals and for business.
We’ve been acknowledged in The Legal 500’s 2025 Top Tier and Hall of Fame and commended by peers in The Times Best Law Firms. We’re also officially recognised as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK by Best Companies. Our team was proud to win Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026.
Matters relating to contentious probate can be emotionally challenging. Despite our size as a law firm, we pride ourselves on providing a truly exceptional, personal service. You’re in the best of hands.
Our team covers the entire Merseyside region — including the city of Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral — and beyond. We’re more than happy to talk virtually or face-to-face at our office at Exchange Flags — whatever works best for you.
Meet our contentious probate team
Contact our team
Our talented Liverpool contentious probate team is just a message away. You can phone 0151 600 3000 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Alternatively, you can email inheritance@brabners.com or click the button below and fill in our contact form.
We're the leading independent law firm. Our heritage in Liverpool dates all the way back to 1815.
Proudly anchored in the North, our independence allows us to be objective, principled and provide a service with heart and personality. We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities.
In 2022, we became the largest law firm in the UK 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.
Insights about inheritance disputes
Can I make a digital Will? Proposed Will reforms explained
We explain the current proposals around digital Wills and highlight other Will reforms that could be on the horizon.
Understanding Letters of Claim in contentious probate — what they are & how to respond
We explore the role of a Letter of Claim during Will and inheritance disputes and outline what it means for those involved.
4 key drivers making contentious probate expertise essential in 2026
We take a closer look at the social, demographic and economic trends that are making contentious probate expertise essential in 2026.
A guide to trusts in divorce — 5 practical tips to protect your wealth
We explore how the courts approach trusts on divorce and outline the key considerations for dealing with them after separation.
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.
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.
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.
Brabners Personal — full-service legal support for individuals and families
From building a family to creating Wills and trusts, buying or selling property, land or a business, planning for your succession or dealing with a crisis, it helps to have ready access to a multidisciplinary legal team that can support you with whatever life throws your way.
When does a ‘mirror Will’ become a ‘mutual Will’?
When it comes to estate planning, ‘mirror Wills’ are fairly common between spouses. But, what is the difference between mirror Wills and mutual Wills?
Adjournments on medical grounds — the importance of detailed evidence
Our Will and inheritance dispute team explore a recent case where they served with (and defended) a short notice application by a claimant to adjourn an upcoming three-day trial on medical grounds.
Ambiguous Wills and personal liability — Dryden v Young & Others
What can executors do if a Will involves complex and ambiguous gifts? Beth Middleton explores the case of Dryden v Young & Others.
Inheritance tax explained — the basics, suggested reforms and how to plan ahead
Here, Abbie Johnys explores the suggested reforms to inheritance tax and how you can plan ahead.
Will & Inheritance Dispute FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about will and inheritance disputes from our expert private client solicitors.
Determining undue influence in Rea v Rea in the Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision made in August 2023 in the case of Rea v Rea.
When should I review my will?
Here, we outline five key life events after which you should consider reviewing your will.
Brabners appoints new partner as head of contentious trusts and probate team
We've appointed an experienced new partner to lead our growing contentious trusts and probate team.
Presumption of death — new Court guidance for will executors and ‘sufficient interest’
We examine the case of Kerry Tolley v No Defendant (Re Caroline Fisher) and its impact on the administration of estates.
Executor misconduct: When estate administration goes wrong
Penalties for executors who do not carry out their duties effectively can be significant and serious.
Summonsing witnesses of wills to give evidence
In the event of a dispute, witnesses can be called on to give evidence on the circumstances of the will being executed.
Inheritance on divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership
How can individuals protect inherited assets in the event of a relationship breakdown?
Contact our Liverpool contentious probate experts
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