People may challenge a will if they suspect it has been forged, that the deceased was unduly influenced into changing it, that it was incorrectly executed or that they were inadequately provided for.
Consequences of challenging a will
Challenging a will often results in unexpected legal, financial and emotional consequences, particularly if attempting to prove undue influence or claiming under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975. People wishing to raise a challenge should consider whether risking their relationship with family is worth the emotional cost of doing so.
Challenging a will is also an expensive process, particularly if independent experts are required to act as witnesses or provide testimony to support either party. It would be a rare London law firm that would take on such a case if the challenger could not afford their financial liabilities.
What does it cost to challenge a will?
Challenging a will can cost as little as £750 but often the costs spiral into the tens of thousands of pounds, due to the need to fund experts, obtain asset valuations, and pay barrister fees and court costs.
While some law firms may offer a no-win-no-fee arrangement, specialists such as https://www.forsters.co.uk do not, meaning that people wishing to challenge a will must have sufficient means to fund the costs incurred, even if they lose.
In conclusion
Challenging a will is costly, both financially and emotionally, and therefore you should think carefully about whether the benefits of challenging will outweigh the stress, costs and potential relationship breakdown before pursuing this option.