Contesting a Will - Should I Do It?
Even though your father brought you and your little brother up on his own from when you were fourteen, you did ok. His business did well, and although you weren't amazingly well off, you didn't really have to worry about money. You all got on well together and your father used to tell you how much he valued your support.
Contesting a Will was the last thing on your mind. Then your father became unwell and you both helped look after him. It made you grow even closer together as you were so busy helping with everything like the shopping and cooking as well as seeing friends and working for your exams. You didn't think of a claim on inheritance.
Dad recovered and remarried and you were happy for him. Any suggestion of an inheritance claim would have been absurd; It wasn't something you wanted to think about, and he wasn't even old yet! Your father's new wife was ok, and you and your brother had moved away from home by now and got on well. Then he became really ill again and this time it seemed so much worse and he wasn't really that old.
You and your father were still close; you adored him and couldn't bear the thought of him suffering. It was painful to watch.
When your father went into hospital you put all thought of the possibility of his death out of your mind, he would surely fight through and survive. And an inheritance claim never crossed your mind!
The shock when he dies doubles when you realise he hasn't left either yourself or your brother hardly any inheritance. Nearly everything has gone to his wife! You're not the money grabbing sort and you feel awful; you don't want to believe it but you don't want to accept it either.
Should you contest the Will? Could he really have meant what appeared to be set in stone, signed by him in writing? Who can you go to to ask for advice? Would people understand your hurt, or should you just try to ignore it and get on with life?
Contesting a Will when a loved family member dies is never a nice experience; it can cause all sorts of family arguments and emotions to erupt. Sadly, this kind of family argument can result in permanent, unfixable rifts within a family. However, if you strongly feel that something is not right then speak to an inheritance claim specialist solicitor and get expert legal advice.
About the Author
If you are considering contesting a will (http://contestingawilluk.co.uk ) , contact Bonallack & Bishop, a firm of solicitors experienced in advising on making an inheritance claim. Tim Bishop is senior partner at the firm, responsible for all major strategic decisions. He has grown the firm by 1000% in 13 years and has plans for further expansion.
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