Inheritance Act Claims
Inheritance act claims solicitors providing expert advice on bringing or defending claims for reasonable financial provision from an estate.
Lost, Missing, Or Forged Wills Solicitors
Lost, Missing or Forged Wills Solicitors providing expert advice on will disputes, validity concerns and recovering or challenging questionable wills.
What to do When a Will Cannot Be Found or Its Validity Is in Doubt
After someone’s death, discovering that their will is missing, incomplete, or potentially forged can create confusion and mistrust. In these cases, the law provides mechanisms to prove what the true will was or to challenge one that is false or improperly made.
At IMD Solicitors we specialise in disputes involving lost, missing, or forged wills. We act for executors, beneficiaries, and family members where a will cannot be found, where only a copy exists, or where fraud is suspected. Our role is to protect your position, preserve evidence, and ensure that only a valid will governs the estate.
When a Will Cannot Be Found
If a will was last known to be in the testator’s possession but cannot be found after their death, the law presumes that it was revoked by destruction unless there is evidence to the contrary. That presumption can be rebutted by evidence showing that the will still existed at death, or that its loss or destruction was accidental.
- Evidence may include:
- A copy or draft will held by the drafting solicitor
- Witness statements confirming the testator’s intentions
- Correspondence or file notes indicating no revocation was intended
- Circumstantial evidence, such as the will being kept in a shared or solicitors’ safe
In many cases, an estate can proceed based on a copy will, if the court is satisfied that it accurately represents the original.
Missing or Destroyed Wills
Wills can go missing for a variety of reasons: accidental loss, fire, deliberate destruction, or poor record-keeping. In these circumstances, the court may allow a copy or reconstructed will to be admitted to probate, provided sufficient secondary evidence supports its authenticity
- We assist clients to:
- Trace and identify all possible versions of a will
- Obtain solicitor files and draft documents
- Locate witnesses to execution or attestation
- Apply to court to prove a copy will in solemn form
- Defend estates where no valid will can be found and intestacy may apply
Where a will has been deliberately destroyed or suppressed, urgent steps can be taken to prevent probate being granted and to recover or verify the original document.
Forged or Fraudulent Wills
Forgery or fraud in relation to a will is a serious matter, often combining civil, evidential, and sometimes criminal issues
- Signs of forgery or fraud may include:
- Altered signatures or substituted pages
- A will signed at an implausible time or location
- Beneficiaries involved in drafting or execution
- Wills that contradict the deceased’s established intentions
We work with handwriting and forensic experts, as well as obtaining solicitor and witness evidence, to assess whether a will is genuine. Where a forged will has been admitted to probate, we can bring proceedings to revoke the grant and restore the rightful estate.
What to Do if You Suspect a Problem
Taking early legal advice is crucial. In many cases, prompt action can preserve documents and prevent distribution of the estate.
Our solicitors can:
- Enter a caveat to stop a suspect will being proved at the Probate Registry
- Obtain disclosure of the will file and related correspondence
- Instruct expert witnesses to analyse signatures, ink, and paper
- Apply to court to determine validity or revoke a grant of probate
- Seek interim relief or injunctions to prevent assets being dissipated
Time is often critical, particularly once probate has been granted, so early engagement can make the difference between success and limitation.
How We Can Help
We provide clear, practical advice on:
- Proving or disproving copy wills and missing wills
- Challenging forged or fraudulent wills
- Protecting beneficiaries and executors from liability
- Applying for directions or injunctions pending determination
- Negotiating or mediating to achieve fair and cost-effective resolutions
We act both for those seeking to uphold a will and for those challenging one believed to be false or invalid.
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.
Our Approach
- Investigative and precise – we analyse evidence, timelines, and drafting history to uncover the truth
- Practical and proportionate – we aim to resolve matters early where possible, preserving estate value
- Specialist expertise – extensive experience in validity challenges and copy will applications
- Transparent on costs – we discuss funding and proportionality from the outset
Example Cases
- Acted a beneficiary when there were three competing Wills of the Deceased, all executed on the same day, but no idea as to which was the last in time.
- Represented executors seeking to prove a copy will where the original had been lost, obtaining probate based on a solicitor’s evidence.
- Advised family members on cross-border issues where conflicting wills existed in England and overseas, including the effects of revocation of one will be another.
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Challenging A Will
Challenging a Will in the UK with expert legal support, including disputes over validity, undue influence and inheritance rights.
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 happens if the original will is missing?
If it was last in the deceased’s possession, the court may presume it was revoked. That presumption can be overcome with evidence to the contrary.
Can a copy of a will be accepted by the court?
Yes, if there is reliable evidence that it represents the final valid will and that the original was not intentionally destroyed.
What if two different wills are found?
The court will determine which is valid, usually by reference to the most recent properly executed version.
How can I prove a will is forged?
Expert handwriting evidence, witness statements, and solicitor file evidence can all be used to demonstrate forgery or fabrication.
What if probate has already been granted on a forged will?
An application can be made to revoke the grant and restore the correct administration of the estate.
