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Introduction to Contentious Probate

Contentious probate often raises difficult questions about the validity of a will and the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. With disputes on the rise due to factors like an ageing population, increasing dementia-related capacity issues, intergenerational wealth transfers, and more complex family structures, understanding the legal grounds for contesting a will and the relevant claims under the law is crucial.

Written by Paula Myers, Sangita Manek and Lynne Johnson, this course will cover the grounds for challenging a will, as well as the financial claims that can be made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, including proprietary estoppel. It will also examine the differences between the roles of executors, trustees, and beneficiaries, explore their common conflicts, and evaluate the cost implications of litigation and various dispute resolution methods.

Through easy-to-understand chapters, this course will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to navigate complex probate disputes and manage issues related to wills and estate distribution.

What this will cover

This course will cover:

  • the grounds for challenging a will
  • claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975
  • claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996
  • the roles of executors, trustees and beneficiaries and the commons areas of conflict between them
  • the cost implications of litigation and other methods of dispute resolution
Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the grounds for challenging a will
  • understand the claims that can be made for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975
  • explain the claims that can be made under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, including proprietary estoppel cases and their purpose in disputes
  • differentiate between the roles of executors, trustees and beneficiaries, and identify common areas of conflict between these roles
  • analyse the cost implications associated with litigation and various different dispute resolution methods
How you will learn

Course format

This online course consists of the following elements:

  • an interactive course presentation, with a variety of knowledge checks spaced throughout to test understanding of the material as the learner progresses
  • an end-of-course assessment consisting of 10 questions

Our courses conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. However, some members may require an alternative version for accessibility purposes. This is available upon request via our contact us form.

Assessment

In order to pass the assessment, you must achieve a pass mark of 70%.

The knowledge checks included in the course presentation are intended to aid your understanding of the content and offer the opportunity to apply your knowledge. They do not form part of the assessment.

No. of items Discount
11 – 19 15%
20 – 29 20%
30 – 39 25%
40 + 30%
£57.89 ex VAT
Type of training
CPD
Format
Bitesize
Level
Intermediate
Who is this for?
Freelance solicitors
Small firms lawyers
Solicitors
Course length
30 mins
SRA Competence
A2
A4

The experts