Wills and Probate Matters

Wills and probate matters concern how a person’s estate is handled after they have passed away. An estate includes financial assets such as savings, as well as property and possessions. These assets will be distributed according to the person’s will, if there is one in place. If the person has not made a valid will, the estate will be handled according to the relevant law, which is known as the rules of intestacy.

Our barristers advise and represent clients at each stage of this process. They can provide support on matters ranging from drafting a will to resolving a complex probate dispute. Our clients include individuals and families.

Areas of Expertise

We regularly assist with a wide range of wills and probate matters, including:

• Administration of estates and trusts, such as identifying and distributing assets
• Applications relating to personal representatives and trustees
• Claims under the Inheritance Act 1975
• Contentious probate matters, such as challenges to the validity of a will
• Proprietary Estoppel
• Construction and rectification of wills
• Professional negligence, such as negligent drafting of wills
• TOLATA proceedings
• Court of Protection and mental capacity issues

Our barristers are also highly experienced in related practice areas such as financial remedy proceedings and Court of Protection matters. Our broad expertise means we can provide insights into complex areas which overlap with wills and probate matters.

How We Can Help

If you require legal support on a matter relating to wills and probate, we can provide full or specific services depending on your needs, including:

• Strategic Advice: we can advise you generally on estate-related matters. If you are dealing with related court proceedings, we can provide guidance on the strength of your potential case.
• Drafting Documentation: we can assist in preparing the necessary paperwork, including drafting wills. If you are involved in a dispute which is going to court, we can also help to prepare paperwork such as applications or evidence bundles ahead of the hearing.
• Court Representation: if you are considering or involved in court proceedings, our experienced advocates can appear at all court hearings to represent you.

Why Instruct Demstone Chambers

• Specialist barristers with extensive experience
• Direct access – no solicitor needed
• Flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends
• Virtual meetings where needed
• Clear and realistic advice on likely outcomes
• Cost-effective and tailored support

We work on direct access. This means you can instruct our barristers directly without going through a solicitor. This can save time and reduce costs, while still giving you access to specialist support. Find out more about our direct access offering here.

We represent clients in London, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and across the UK.

This page is subject to the terms of our website disclaimer.