Can my Will be contested?

Surely what’s mine is mine and I can leave it to whomever I want? Oh nay, nay and thrice nay – as the late, great Frankie Howerd was apt to say.

Anyone can contest a will. But it would be up to a court to decide the outcome. A cohabiting partner, missed out in the will, may have a valid claim. So could a spouse or any children if reasonable provision had not been made for them.

Perhaps the validity of the will could be called into question. Was the deceased of sound mind, memory and understanding when the will was drafted? Was any pressure applied by friends or family members? And are there any errors in the document?

Industry experts reckon the sharp rise in inheritance disputes reaching the High Court is partly driven by the increase in popularity of do-it-yourself wills. The language has to be right and the meaning has to be unambiguous. And that’s hard for a layperson. Titter ye not, missus!

Make sure your will doesn’t end up being pored over by a judge and that your estate is distributed as you intended by contacting Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.