A Simple Wording Mistake Led to A High Court Dispute
June 16th 2026Many people assume that once they have signed a Will, their wishes are clear and their estate will be distributed exactly as intended. However, a recent High Court case (May 2026) shows how even a few ambiguous words can lead to costly legal disputes after someone dies. In this article, our Head of Will and Inheritance Disputes, Rebecca Armstrong, examines Wilkinson v Kirkham and the risks of unclear wording in…
Patel v O’Sullivan: High Court Upholds Validity of Final Will
June 1st 2026A late amendment to a Will has survived legal challenge in the recent High Court case of Patel v O’Sullivan, after the court confirmed that a July 2020 Will executed by Mrs Patel just weeks before her death was valid. Selina Gonzalez, Associate Solicitor in our Will Claims team, reports on this recent case. Mrs Patel’s daughter argued that an earlier Will drafted just the previous month should instead take…
Increase in Caveats Highlights Need for Caution in Probate Disputes
April 23rd 2026A recent Law Society article has highlighted a rise in the number of people entering ‘Caveats’ to prevent the administration of estates. Selina Gonzalez, Associate Solicitor in our Will Claims team, explains why caution is essential when considering the use of a caveat in probate disputes. A caveat is a formal notice that prevents Executors from obtaining a Grant of Probate. Caveats last for six months and can be renewed.…
Rise in Will disputes prompts warning to people in their 40s and 50s
April 10th 2026There has been a rise in disputes over estates, with many of the problems linked to outdated wills or the absence of any Will at all. According to research published by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, eight in ten lawyers say they have seen an increase in contested estates over the past five years. Selina Gonzalez, Associate Solicitor in our Will Claims Team, provides an update. The survey, which questioned…
A Family Fall Out, a Contested Will and a Huge Court Bill
February 23rd 2026A recent High Court decision has brought Will and Inheritance Disputes into the spotlight and provides a stark reminder of how family disagreements can quickly turn into costly legal battles. In this article, our Head of Will and Inheritance Disputes, Rebecca Armstrong takes a closer look at the case and what could have been done differently. The case in brief A father (Laxmikant Patel) made a new Will shortly before…
