You have 6 months from the grant of probate or letters of administration to bring your claim. This deadline is strictly enforced by the courts.

Claims brought after 6 months require special permission from the court, which is not guaranteed. The court will consider factors like:

• The reason for delay
• Whether the estate has been distributed
• Prejudice to other beneficiaries
• Strength of your claim

Don’t risk missing the deadline – contact us immediately for a free assessment. We can often file protective proceedings while gathering evidence.

The court has wide powers to make financial provision, including:

• Lump sum payments – One-off payment from the estate
• Property transfers – Transfer of specific assets or property
• Regular payments – Ongoing maintenance payments
• Life interests – Right to live in property for life
• Trust arrangements – Creation of trusts for your benefit

For spouses, the court considers what you would have received on divorce. For other claimants, provision is limited to maintenance needs. Our experts will advise on realistic expectations for your case.

Yes, adult children can claim but face a higher threshold. You need “something more” than just being a child, such as:

• Financial dependency on the deceased
• Disability or health issues preventing self-support
• Sacrifices made for the deceased (career, caring responsibilities)
• Promises or assurances of inheritance
• Contribution to family business or property

Recent cases like Dignam-Thomas v McCourt show courts will consider adult children’s claims where special circumstances exist. Our team can assess whether you have the necessary factors for a successful claim.

Our genuine 100% No Win No Fee service means:

• No upfront costs – Nothing to pay to start your claim
• No ongoing fees – We fund all disbursements and court fees
• No risk – If unsuccessful, you pay nothing
• Success fee only if you win – Agreed percentage of recovery
• ATE insurance arranged – Protects against opponent’s costs

Unlike some firms, we don’t require any payments during your case. Our success fee is transparent and agreed upfront. This genuine No Win No Fee approach ensures everyone can access justice, regardless of financial means.

Key evidence includes:

• Your relationship proof (marriage certificate, evidence of cohabitation)
• Financial information (bank statements, income details, assets)
• Evidence of dependency or maintenance
• Medical evidence if relevant
• Correspondence with the deceased
• The will and grant of probate

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything – we help gather evidence. The important thing is to act quickly before the 6-month deadline. We can start with basic information and build your case.

Yes – being deliberately excluded doesn’t prevent a claim. The 1975 Act overrides the will where reasonable provision hasn’t been made. Courts have awarded provision even where wills contained:

• Express exclusion clauses
• Statements of reasons for exclusion
• “No-contest” clauses threatening disinheritance
• Lifetime estrangement explanations

Recent cases confirm that testamentary freedom isn’t absolute. If you qualify under the Act and need reasonable provision, you can claim regardless of the will’s contents.

Courts must consider all circumstances including:

• Your financial resources and needs (present and future)
• Other beneficiaries’ resources and needs
• Deceased’s obligations and responsibilities to you
• Size and nature of the estate
• Any disability of claimants or beneficiaries
• Deceased’s stated wishes (though not binding)
• Your conduct and relationship quality

Each case is unique. Our experienced team knows how to present these factors effectively to maximise your claim’s success.

Most cases settle within 6-12 months without going to trial. The timeline depends on:

• Complexity of the claim
• Number of beneficiaries involved
• Willingness to negotiate
• Need for expert evidence
• Court availability if trial needed

We always explore early settlement through negotiation or mediation to achieve faster, cost-effective resolutions. Only about 5% of cases require a full trial. Our approach focuses on achieving the best outcome efficiently.