Although most never reach a final hearing at court, the number of will-related disputes is growing year on year. Contesting a will is rarely straightforward: it is a complicated legal process requiring careful management and is often emotionally and financially draining. This article endeavours to explain the practical considerations of this type of litigation and how to minimise the attendant risks.

The use of DNA testing to determine parentage has an important impact on determining entitlement under Wills, trusts and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975. In recent years it has been increasingly used to resolve estate disputes. In most cases it will be undertaken with the consent of the relevant parties.

A Midlands law firm has promoted seven solicitors across a variety of its legal teams as it continues to support the development of talent from within.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened into the practice of Mr Simon Andrew Clive Newbold, Ms Zakia Khalid and Mr Roy George at GPB Solicitors LLP based at GPB House, Arden Court, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6NT.

What are the key best practices to consider when setting up and maintaining a trust?

TOLATA stands for The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. It is a law in England and Wales that regulates the relationship between owners of property and those benefitting from that property who are not legal owners

Update Your Will Week (3–9 March) highlights the importance of keeping your will up to date - ensuring your loved ones and chosen charities benefit as you intend. Legacy donations are vital for charities, and a well-structured will guarantees your wishes are fulfilled while offering potential tax benefits. If you haven’t reviewed your will in five years or after a major life event, now is the time.

Even before the Coronavirus outbreak, you may have wondered “Do I need a Will?” or “I’m too young to write a Will”. Although most people writing Wills in the UK are older than 50, you could write a Will from the age of 18.

In a recent case of ours, we were successful in applying to vary a joint lives maintenance order made almost 10 years ago, with payments covering the next few months being capitalised and there being a clean break of income claims. Bearing in mind our client could have continued having to make these monthly payments for the rest of his life this was an excellent result and got us thinking - is now the time to think about challenging the status quo and apply for joint lives orders to be varied?

Martin Oliver, Partner in our Contentious Probate team, answers the question; is contesting a will ever successful?