These are the key factors when considering the question, ‘Who are the best solicitors for inheritance claims?’
Specialist expertise
Inheritance law is a niche area, so it is important to appoint a solicitor who specialises in inheritance disputes. Solicitors often say that they specialise in dealing with inheritance claims, but when you dive deeper you find they also work in other practice areas. If in doubt, ask the solicitor if they spend 100% of their time dealing with inheritance disputes. Key attributes for an inheritance dispute lawyer include a thorough understanding of the relevant legal frameworks, such as the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, familiarity with contentious probate procedures, and a knowledge of property law claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Inheritance solicitors should also have experience of proprietary estoppel and equitable accounting, as these issues often arise in disputes.
Commitment to best practice
Solicitors should adhere to best practices, such as following the ACTAPS Practice Guidance Notes and Code of Conduct, which provide pre-action protocols for resolving probate and trust disputes. Failure to comply with these protocols can result in a client incurring costs penalties.
Recommendations
Recommendations from leading independent legal directories such as Legal 500 (the clients guide to the best law firms worldwide) further demonstrates a firm’s commitment to high standards in dealing with inheritance claims. Review platforms and testimonials can also provide an insight into the quality of the solicitors.
Hand-on experience in dealing with a wide range of inheritance claims
Practical skills and procedural knowledge are critical. A solicitor must be adept at problem-solving, identifying potential pitfalls, and advising clients on the advantages and disadvantages of various courses of action. They need to be skilled in drafting precise legal documents and presenting evidence. It is therefore important to choose solicitors who have a wealth of practical day-to-day experience of dealing with, and resolving, inheritance claims in all their forms.
Solicitors with a track record of success
When appointing a solicitor to deal with an inheritance claim, consider asking about their track record of success. How many cases has the firm successfully resolved? What is their success rate at mediation?
Flexible funding options
Solicitors traditionally charge by the hour, but this can sometimes present an obstacle to accessing justice. Does the firm offer alternative funding options, such as No Win – No Fee, ‘pay at the end’, and fixed fees?
Choosing the right firm
So, who are the best solicitors for inheritance claims? We would like to think our inheritance dispute team is one of the best in the UK, and we certainly tick all the boxes:
- Our inheritance claim team works exclusively in the area of contentious trusts and probate
- We are recommended by Legal 500
- We have lawyers who are ACTAPS accredited
- Our track record of success at trial and in mediation is first rate
- We offer No Win – No Fee, pay at the end, and fixed fees
- We have a 5-star rating on ReviewSolicitors
- We have received extensive testimonials from satisfied clients
Contact us for a free consultation
We offer a free consultation service. Contact us by phone or email and one of our experienced team will assess your case and set out your best options, completely free of charge.
