The Legal Ombudsman and other agencies have reported a recent rise in the number of Wills and Probate cases which have been disputed over the last couple of years.
Most of these have been as a result of concerns over the actions of the executor and disagreements about the contents of the Will. Solicitors in Bangor can urge their customers to use expert legal services to limit the chances of Wills disputes in the future.
The number of disputes cases is reflected in the drastic rise in caveats lodged at the Probate Office which, in effect, prevents the Probate process from being carried out until the dispute has been resolved. Some of the many reasons why these objections are raised include defective estate planning and the rise in high-profile cases. These factors can encourage individuals to learn more about challenging a Will.
Concerns have been raised that if these matters are not addressed, there could continue to be a rise in caveats and lengthy legal battles as we move further into 2026. Robust and transparent estate planning has been recommended by solicitors along with the greater use of mediation services. For those who are already involved in a dispute, seeking advice from a legal advisor as soon as possible could help avoid costly delays.
Speak to us today here at Bennett Smith Solicitors and request an appointment with an expert legal advisor to discuss your Will and estate planning, in the hope of avoiding potential disputes.
