Chat with us

Home Challenging a Will in the UK for International Clients

Challenging a Will in the UK for International Clients

We are specialist UK contentious probate lawyers providing clear, practical advice to international clients who need to challenge (or defend) a will dispute in England and Wales.

 

If you live outside the UK but believe a UK will is invalid or you have been unfairly excluded from an inheritance we can guide you through the legal process, explain your options and act quickly to protect your position.

UK Will Dispute Lawyers Supporting Clients Overseas

Whether you are a beneficiary living abroad, hold dual nationality or are managing an estate with UK based assets, our lawyers provide expert support in disputes involving:

  • UK property
  • UK bank accounts and investments
  • Family estates with overseas beneficiaries
  • Wills made in England and Wales

Our expert probate lawyers are ready to help. Call our solicitors for professional legal advice on 0330 107 0107 or request a call back.

Why International Clients Need Specialist UK Advice to Challenge a Will

Challenging a will is not simply about whether the will feels unfair. The UK courts require specific legal grounds, evidence and formal procedures.

If you are outside the UK, the process may be harder because:

You may have limited access to documents and information

International beneficiaries often do not have early access to:

  • The will
  • Probate paperwork
  • Medical evidence
  • Lawyer drafting records

We can help obtain and assess the evidence needed for a challenge.

UK deadlines still apply, even if you live overseas

Time limits and procedural deadlines apply under the law of England and Wales. Acting early can prevent executors distributing the estate before your claim is raised.

The estate may include assets in multiple countries

Cross-border estates often involve:

  • Different inheritance rules
  • Different tax systems
  • Competing family expectations

We help you focus on the UK legal route and coordinate steps efficiently.

Mistakes can cause serious delays and costs

Starting the wrong type of claim or waiting too long to act, may lead to:

  • Higher legal costs
  • Reduced settlement options
  • Estate funds being distributed before the dispute is resolved

When Can a UK Will Be Declared Invalid?

A will may be challenged in England and Wales if it is legally invalid. Common grounds include:

Lack of testamentary capacity

The person making the will did not understand what they were doing or the effect of the will at the time it was made.

Lack of knowledge and approval

The deceased did not fully understand or approve the contents of the will they signed.

Undue influence

The deceased was pressured, manipulated or coerced into making the will often involving vulnerable individuals.

Fraud or forgery

The will, signature, or document contents were falsified, altered or not genuinely authorised by the deceased.

Failure to meet UK signing and witnessing rules (Wills Act 1837)

The will was not properly executed, meaning it was not correctly signed or witnessed.

Common Warning Signs (Especially in Cross-Border Families)

We often see disputes where there are red flags such as:

  • A sudden new will made shortly before death
  • A vulnerable person leaving everything to one individual
  • Family members abroad being excluded unexpectedly
  • A will prepared without independent legal advice
  • Witness concerns, missing pages or unusual signatures
  • One person controlling access to documents and information

Our Approach for Clients Outside the UK

We provide a structured and supportive service designed for international clients, including:

  • Clear advice in plain English
  • Strategic planning to avoid unnecessary cost and delay
  • Transparent costs and funding information from the outset
  • Efficient communication across time zones
  • Experience with complex family disputes and high value estates

Our private wealth experts are here to help you

For an initial consultation, call our private wealth solicitors on 0330 107 0107 or request a free call back.

Talk to us today about:

Contested Probate & Disputes

Facing a probate or trust dispute can feel overwhelming. Whether you are contesting a will, disputing trustee decisions, or dealing with complex estate issues, our specialist solicitors provide expert legal guidance alongside practical and compassionate support.

Find out more

Challenging A Will

Challenging a Will in the UK with expert legal support, including disputes over validity, undue influence and inheritance rights.

Find out more

Do you have a legal issue that
needs to be resolved in the UK?

Why us?

Why Choose IMD Solicitors LLP?

01.

Why Choose IMD Solicitors LLP?

Our team is adept at handling intricate cases involving international elements, such as division of assets across borders, child abduction and child relocation. This makes us particularly suited for individuals with international family or business ties.

02.

Award-Winning Legal Excellence

We are proud recipients of multiple national awards, a testament to our commitment to legal excellence. Our awards reflect our high standards and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. You can check the list of our awards by clicking here.

03.

Outstanding Client Testimonials

Our clients’ satisfaction speaks volumes about our services. We invite you to read the glowing testimonials on ReviewSolicitors, which showcase our ability to exceed client expectations.

04.

Proven Track Record in Complex Cases

Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling complex legal cases, particularly those involving cross-border elements. Our expertise is especially beneficial for individuals seeking sophisticated legal solutions.

05.

Deep Cultural Understanding

At IMD Solicitors LLP, we recognise the significance of cultural nuances in legal matters. Our team, with its diverse cultural backgrounds, is uniquely positioned to understand and empathetically address the specific needs of clients from various international communities.

06.

Personalised and Compassionate Approach

We believe in a client-centric approach, offering personalised and compassionate legal advice. Understanding that each case is unique, we tailor our strategies to suit individual client needs.

07.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Beyond family law, we offer a wide range of legal services, making us a one-stop solution for all your legal needs, whether personal or business-related.

08.

Commitment to Client Communication

We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. Our team ensures that you are well informed about the legal processes and your options, enabling you to make educated decisions.

09.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Our extensive network of international legal and professional contacts allows us to efficiently handle cases that span multiple jurisdictions, providing a seamless legal experience for our clients.

10.

High Ethical Standards

As a reputable law firm, we adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, integrity, and professionalism in all our dealings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence do I need to prove a will is invalid?

Medical records, expert reports, witness statements, handwriting evidence, and solicitor files may all be relevant. The evidence required depends on the allegations and the facts of the case.

Can I challenge a will after probate has been granted?

Yes, although the process is more complicated. Claims should ideally be brought before probate is issued.

How much does it cost to contest a will?

Costs depend on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. We will discuss funding options with you at the outset.

What happens if the court finds a will invalid?

The estate will usually be distributed under an earlier valid will, or if none exists, under the intestacy rules.

Talk to us today

If you need legal advice, contact us today to request a free callback. Please note that all meetings are by appointment only in all our offices.

Talk to our AI agent now

Click the buton to start the conversation and receive an immediate response

Chat with us

    What time would you prefer us to contact you?

    Talk to our AI agent now

    Click the buton to start the conversation and receive an immediate response

    Chat with us
    This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.