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 & inheritance solicitors in London
Our probate experts provide clear, practical advice on disputed Wills, inheritance, estates and trusts for clients across the Greater London region.
Contact our experts today
London’s contentious probate specialists
The contesting of Wills, estates and trusts is a highly unique and specialised area of law. Our solicitors are nationally recognised for their work in this field.
The team focuses exclusively on contentious trusts and probate. This gives us the experience, insight and acumen to solve any dispute quickly and sensitively.
We offer strategic, pragmatic and practical advice around:
- Disputed Wills — you may have concerns about whether a Will accurately reflects a deceased person’s last wishes. We cover the investigation, interpretation and contesting of Wills, as well as support for those looking to defend challenges to a Will.
- Inheritance Act claims — we act for claimants and defendants in claims brought by a person who doesn’t receive reasonable financial provision under a Will (or under the intestacy rules, if no Will exists).
- Executor and trustee misconduct disputes — we assist beneficiaries in obtaining their inheritance and with removing executors who are failing to fulfil their duties when administering an estate. We also provide advice to executors facing such claims or those with concerns about what's required.
- Financial abuse claims — those who require assistance with their finances can be vulnerable to exploitation. We advise in circumstances when suspicions are aroused, whether during the lifetime of the alleged victim or after they've passed away.
Our London contentious probate team includes some of the country’s leading experts in this area. We’ve worked on probate cases of all types, including high-net-worth and landmark cases involving complex estates and trusts.
These disputes can be emotionally challenging. We’ll guide you through the process sensitively and help you to develop a bespoke strategy for securing a fair outcome.
“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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We find solutions to inheritance disputes & all other life issues
Our “extremely knowledgeable” contentious probate and trusts team is one of the country’s most experienced and celebrated, by clients and peers alike. It’s led by Nicola Turner, described as a “stand out practitioner” in The Legal 500, noted for her “kind, thoughtful, understanding legal counsel” and tireless attention to detail.
We cover the entire Greater London region and beyond. Our state-of-the-art office space at 60 Cannon Street can be the perfect environment for potentially difficult personal discussions.
We’re a multidisciplinary team, with over 500 experts delivering the full range of legal services. Through Brabners Personal, we bring together specialist advice across private client matters such as estate planning and dispute resolution to help you plan and protect your future.
Meet our contentious probate team
The leading independent law firm, committed to our communities
Founded in 1815 in Liverpool, we proudly opened our doors in London in 2026.
As a purpose-led law firm, we're driven by a commitment to make the difference in everything we do. In 2022, we became the largest UK law firm to secure B Corp certification — a symbol of our commitment to operating as a force for good.
Plus, through The Brabners Foundation, we’re proud to partner closely with charities to create lasting impact across England and Wales.
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 London contentious probate experts
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