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Contentious Probate

Disputes over wills and probate can be emotionally and legally challenging. We provide specialist support to protect your interests and help resolve disagreements with clarity and care.

Personal Contentious Probate

Understanding Contentious Probate

When a will is disputed or probate is challenged, it can create uncertainty and anxiety. Our team is here to help you through this complex process with clear guidance and trusted support.

The Contentious Probate Team at Pinney Talfourd is recognised as one of the leading legal teams in the UK, proudly ranked in the Legal 500 for our expertise in this area. Our Contentious Probate Solicitors have significant experience across the full spectrum of wills and probate claims. We provide clear, concise, and practical advice tailored to each client’s unique situation.

We understand that disputes over wills often involve questions about validity, capacity, undue influence, or fairness – and that probate challenges may add an extra layer of complexity. These moments can be deeply personal and stressful. That’s why we combine our legal expertise with the care and compassion necessary to guide you through what is often an emotional time.

Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently and provide you with support at each step. Our role is to protect your interests today providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Tailored expertise you can count on

Our Legal 500–ranked team delivers expert guidance from a recognised leader in contested wills and probate law.

Compassionate guidance through stressful times

We listen carefully and offer support and understanding for the emotional challenges you face.

Clear, honest communication

You will always be kept informed with transparent advice and regular updates.

Focused on resolving conflicts amicably

We seek to preserve relationships, when possible, by exploring solutions that reduce conflict where possible.

Responsive and reliable support

Our solicitors are accessible and responsive.

Experienced in negotiation and litigation

We handle every scenario with care, whether resolving matters out of court or representing you in Court.

Long-term partnership and trust

Beyond resolving your current dispute, we are committed to being your lifelong legal partner.

Protecting your peace of mind

With expertise and empathy, we help you move forward confidently and reassure you every step of the way.

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0800 011 1195

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Contentious Probate FAQs

We understand you may have questions so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.

What can lead to a will being contested?

Concerns about mental capacity, undue influence, the proper execution of the will, or fairness in distribution can prompt a challenge.

How long do contested probate cases typically take?

Duration varies; we focus on resolving matters promptly while safeguarding your interests fully.

Can contested wills be resolved without going to court?

Yes, many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, which we encourage to limit stress and cost.

What evidence is needed to challenge a will?

Relevant evidence might include medical records, witness testimony, or documents indicating undue influence; we assist in collecting and reviewing this thoroughly.

What happens if a challenge is unsuccessful?

If your claim is not upheld, the disputed will remains effective. We prepare you for all outcomes and support you throughout.

Contentious Probate service expertise

  • Contesting a Will
  • Deeds of Variation
  • Disputed Court of Protection Applications
  • Inheritance Act Claims
  • Lost, Damaged or Destroyed Wills
  • Recovery & Protection of Assets
  • Removal of Executor

Latest from Pinney Talfourd

Stay up to date with the latest legal developments, firm news, and upcoming events. Our experts share practical insights, commentary, and opportunities to connect with our team in person or online.

View our news

Challenging a Will on Grounds of Testamentary Capacity

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Challenging a Will for lack of due execution

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A Nudge in the Right Direction: How to Deal with the Rogue Executor

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Bringing a Claim Against the Personal Representatives of an Estate

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Modernising Wills: The Law Commission’s Long-Awaited Reforms

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Our team of experts

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Seb Recordon

Associate

Seb Recordon

Associate

01708 463 237

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William Gatting

New Zealand Qualified Solicitor

William Gatting

New Zealand Qualified Solicitor

01277 249 390

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Stephen Eccles

Partner

Stephen Eccles

Partner

01708 463 202

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Matthew Edwards

Partner

Matthew Edwards

Partner

01277 246 848

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Your key contact

You can contact us now to book an initial consultation. Or for more information please contact Nick Hatchett on the details below.

Nick Hatchett

Nick Hatchett

Partner

01277 246 844

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Our offices

Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)
Map showing Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford
Map showing Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch
Map showing Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster
Map showing Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

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Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Copyright © 2026. Pinney Talfourd LLP. Registered office address: 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TU, United Kingdom. Company No: OC324736.

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