Google Adwords 0808 278 1398 Bing Ads 0808 274 4482

How do I go about contesting a will — my dad’s will left me much less than my brothers and I can’t think of any reason why?

You may be able to show that the will is invalid if any of the following apply:

  • Your father made a later will.
  • Your father remarried after he made the will (unless the will explicitly says that it was made ‘in contemplation of’ the marriage).
  • It was not properly signed and witnessed.
  • It is a forgery.
  • Your father lacked the mental capacity to make a will — he was incapable of making decisions when he made it.
  • He made the will under serious duress or undue influence (such as coercion, intimidation or deception).
  • He did not know of and approve the will’s contents.

Alternatively, family members and dependents may be able to contest a bequest in the will on the basis that it does not make ‘reasonable financial provision’ for them. However, if you are over 18 and no longer financially dependent on your father, it is less likely you will succeed.

If you have a valid claim, it is almost always better to settle it by negotiation or mediation rather than going to court. You should take legal advice quickly as there are time limits for making a claim.

Related FAQs

Expert legal advice you can rely on,
get in touch today


Please let us know you are not a robot

Your local legal experts


Why QualitySolicitors?

With QualitySolicitors your first initial assessment is free, so you can call us without worrying about being charged for a call you might not have actually needed to make. And because we place our clients are at the heart of everything we do, we make these five customer service promises to make sure you'll feel properly looked after.

This is why, in the first instance, most people looking for legal help in relation to a 'Home And Property' call QualitySolicitors for a Free Initial Assessment over the phone before requesting our Ask the Legal Expert service; which is an introductory 45-minute face-to-face consultation for £99.