Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Families and Dependants) Act
This act allows certain relatives or dependants of someone who has died to make an application to the court for financial provision, if the deceased’s will (or the intestacy rules) do not make reasonable financial provision for the person applying.
The list of those who can apply to the court includes spouses and ex-spouses, children of the deceased and some unmarried partners. If an order is made by the court, it will have the effect of changing at least part of the distribution of the estate under the will (or intestacy rules).
We have experience of pursuing these applications through the courts. The possibility of an Inheritance Act claim is also a good reason to ensure that you have a well-thought out and up-to-date will in place.