Inheritance Claims

If you have been left without reasonable financial provision from an estate, you may be entitled to bring a statutory claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

These claims are based on whether the deceased’s estate has made reasonable financial provision for eligible individuals. In most cases, this involves demonstrating a genuine financial need or dependency, rather than simply dissatisfaction with the terms of a will.

Inheritance Act claims can be highly technical, time-sensitive and financially complex. Our specialist lawyers provide clear advice on eligibility, prospects of success, funding options and legal strategy, helping you pursue a fair outcome while carefully managing risk.

Why Choose Us?

Inheritance Act claims require specialist legal knowledge and a strategic, evidence-led approach. Outcomes often depend on skilled and experienced legal advice.

Our team are known for :-

• Specialist Experience – our team are genuine specialists in acting for spouses, partners, adult children and dependants pursuing claims against estates. This experience allows us to assess claim viability accurately and efficiently.

• Strategic Negotiation - most Inheritance Act claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation. Our experience helps clients maximise outcomes and mitigate risk.

• Court Experience - where settlement cannot be achieved, we prepare cases thoroughly for court, which will also strengthen your negotiating position.

• Clear Risk and Costs Advice - honest, realistic advice from the outset so you can make informed decisions about whether and how to proceed.

What Is an Inheritance Act Claim?

An Inheritance Act claim is an application to the court seeking reasonable financial provision from a deceased person’s estate.

The court considers a range of statutory factors including:

• Your financial needs and resources

• Your relationship with the deceased

• The size and nature of the estate

• The needs of other beneficiaries

• Any obligations the deceased had towards you

For a more detailed explanation of how these claims work, eligibility criteria and court assessment factors, please see our in-depth Inheritance Act claims guide.

Who Can Make an Inheritance Act Claim?

Only certain categories of people are entitled to bring a claim under the Act. Common applicants include:

• Spouses and civil partners

• Former spouses or partners who have not remarried

• Cohabiting partners

• Children (including adult children in appropriate circumstances)

• Individuals financially dependent on the deceased

We will assess your circumstances and confirm whether you meet the legal criteria before any claim is pursued.

How Inheritance Act Claims Work

Although every case is different, most claims follow a similar structure:

• Initial Case Assessment - We assess your eligibility to make a claim, evidence strength, financial viability, prospects of success and risks.

• Letter of Claim and Tactical Protection – The first stage in setting out your claim and assessing any prospects of early settlement based on a response from the potential defendant. Issuing Court Proceedings if Required - If settlement is not possible, the court will determine what level of financial provision is reasonable.

• Negotiation and Settlement - The majority of cases resolve through negotiated settlement or mediation.

Funding an Inheritance Act Claim – Including No Win No Fee Options

Inheritance Act claims can involve significant legal costs and financial risk.

In suitable cases, we may be able to offer a form of no win no fee. As we would be sharing the risk with you we carefully assess suitability, which will depend on :-

• Strength of the claim

• Value of the estate

• Likely recovery

• Risk profile of the case

We assess funding options on a case-by-case basis and explain all costs clearly before proceeding.

Speak to us

If you believe you have been left without reasonable financial provision from an estate, contact us today for an initial assessment.

Early advice is critical due to strict deadlines and the technical nature of these statutory claims.