Challenging a Will on the grounds of undue influence

We are inheritance dispute specialists. So if you are thinking about challenging a Will on the grounds of undue influence then give our free legal helpline a call on 0333 888 0404 or send an email to us at [email protected]

Challenging a Will on the grounds of undue influence: A legal guide

The term ‘undue influence’ is used when a testator (the legal term for a person making a Will) is coerced into making their Will in a way that benefits the person who is coercing them.

The law of England and Wales requires that people are free to make their will according to their own wishes. If they are coerced to do otherwise then the Will can be declared invalid on the basis of undue influence.

The existence of undue influence is not always obvious, but warning signs include unexpected changes to previous Wills and Wills that run counter to someone’s stated intentions.

Undue influence can be exerted by people who are close to the testator or they may be relative strangers who have been on the periphery of the testator’s life.

Elderly testators or those in poor health are generally most vulnerable to undue influence, especially when it is exerted by people who hold a position of trust, such as a carer or a key family member.

It is important not to confuse undue influence with mere ‘persuasion’, which would not make a Will invalid. Coercion frequently takes place behind closed doors, out of the earshot of potential witnesses. This can make such allegations difficult to prove, especially as the testator will have passed away and be unable to give evidence. Undue influence is therefore often raised alongside other allegations when the validity of a Will is contested, such as ‘lack of testamentary capacity’ and ‘want of knowledge and approval’.

Related to undue influence is a legal concept known as fraudulent calumny. This involves the making of a false and defamatory statement about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation and reducing their standing in the eyes of the testator. By poisoning the testator’s mind, the person committing fraudulent calumny hopes to benefit when their rival is written out of the testator’s Will.

We are often able to work on a No Win, No Fee basis where sufficient evidence of undue influence already exists. Alternatively we can agree a fee limit to allow us to investigate the case and ascertain whether sufficient evidence is available to dispute a Will. We also represent those who are defending the validity of a Will from a challenge brought on the basis of undue influence.

If you are looking for solicitors who are experienced in challenging a Will on the grounds of undue influence then please call our free legal helpline for guidance on 0333 888 0404 or send an email to us at [email protected]

 

Lee Dawkins

Lee Dawkins

Over the past 30 years Lee has overseen the expansion of the firm’s litigation department. He developed our personal injury and clinical negligence teams, creating various niche areas that now enjoy a national profile. He pioneered contentious probate, setting up one of the UK's leading inheritance dispute teams and established Slee Blackwell as a force within claimant professional negligence. He now works as the firm's marketing partner.
Lee Dawkins

Lee Dawkins

Over the past 30 years Lee has overseen the expansion of the firm’s litigation department. He developed our personal injury and clinical negligence teams, creating various niche areas that now enjoy a national profile. He pioneered contentious probate, setting up one of the UK's leading inheritance dispute teams and established Slee Blackwell as a force within claimant professional negligence. He now works as the firm's marketing partner.

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