Claims Under Inheritance

Expert Inheritance Act claims solicitors London

If you have not been left anything in the Will of someone close to you or you received less than you might have expected, you may be entitled to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, often referred to as the Inheritance Act.

The Inheritance Act aims to protect individuals who were financially dependent on someone and who have not been left sufficient money to support them, either under the terms of a Will or because the deceased did not leave a Will.

At Lawrence Stephens, we can advise you as to whether you are eligible to make an Inheritance Act claim and represent you in bringing legal action for a share of the deceased’s estate. Our Contentious Probate team understand that it can be daunting to make a legal claim and we will make sure that you have the support and guidance you need.

We have extensive experience in making Inheritance Act claims on behalf of clients and a strong track record of success in securing the support they are entitled to. We also represent executors in protecting estates from claims.

Who is entitled to make an Inheritance Act claim?

Those who are protected by the Inheritance Act and who could potentially make a claim include:

• A spouse or civil partner of the deceased
• A former spouse or civil partner of the deceased who has not remarried
• Children of the deceased
• Anyone who was treated as a child of the family by the deceased
• An individual who had been living with the deceased for two years or more before they died
• Anyone being financially supported by the deceased before their death

How much is awarded in an Inheritance Act claim?

If your Inheritance Act claim is successful, you can expect to be awarded reasonable financial provision for your maintenance. A spouse or civil partner could be awarded more than the amount considered necessary for maintenance and could receive a sum similar to that which would be awarded in a divorce.

Where the court is asked to decide the size of a payment, it will take into account your needs and resources as well as those of the estate’s other beneficiaries. Other issues that will be considered include the size of the estate, any obligations the deceased had to you and the length of your relationship with them.

Time limit for starting an Inheritance Act claim

An Inheritance Act claim should be made within six months of the date on which a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration is issued. This means that if you believe you are entitled to bring a claim, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the deadline.

Contact our Inheritance Act claims solicitors London

To speak to one of our Inheritance Act claims solicitors, ring us on 020 7936 8888, email us at enquiries@lawstep.co.uk or fill in our contact form.