Inheritance Act Claims (or IPFDA claims) often arise in the wake of losing a loved one, which is why they need to be managed with a degree of respect and practicality. Our Inheritance Act claims solicitors appreciate this, using their high level of expertise to tailor their services and make the process of making or defending an Inheritance Act claim as straightforward as possible.
We understand that making or defending an Inheritance Act claim can be crucial to the financial wellbeing of a claimant or defendant. No matter which side of an Inheritance Act dispute you are on, our team will keep an open line of communication throughout the process and ensure that you are involved with all of the key decision making.
Discuss your requirements with our Inheritance Act claims solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd and Talbot Green
We have local offices in Pontypridd, Swansea and Talbot Green and we deal with transactions across the South Wales area and beyond. If you are facing an Inheritance Act claim or wish to make one, call us today and we will be happy to help you.
Our experts can help with:
- Reviewing your eligibility to make an Inheritance Act claim
- Making an Inheritance Act claim
- Defending an Inheritance Act claim
Why work with David W Harris?
Our teams of Inheritance Act solicitors in Pontypridd, Swansea & Talbot Green are approachable and friendly, taking the time to ensure that our clients are empowered to understand the options available to them. We recognise the stressors involved in managing legal affairs following the loss of a loved one and will ensure to be proactive regarding deadlines and paperwork.
We are one of the longest-established firms in South Wales, with extensive experience in Inheritance Act cases. Our standards for client care are outstanding and we take pride in delivering bespoke legal solutions tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Our Inheritance Act claims services
Reviewing your eligibility to make an Inheritance Act claim
Your eligibility to make an inheritance claim depends on your relationship with the deceased and the contents of their Will. We can review your circumstances, advise you on your eligibility to make an IPFDA claim, and assess the likelihood of success. Additionally, we can explore any other options that may be available to you.
Making an Inheritance Act claim
Making an Inheritance Act claim involves several steps. Our team will guide you through every aspect of making a claim, carefully explaining your options and being upfront with what will required at each stage. We will take the time to fully understand your claim and needs to ensure that we advise you accordingly.
Defending an Inheritance Act claim
If your inheritance is being threatened by an Inheritance Act claim, it will be necessary to prove that a claimant does not have the grounds to request financial support from a deceased individual’s estate. Our team will carefully assess the circumstances and strength of the claim, working with you to defend your position and confirm that the Will provides suitable provisions already or that the grounds for their claim are unreasonable, such as them being ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inheritance Act claims
What is an Inheritance Act claim?
An Inheritance Act claim is a legal action taken against the estate of a deceased individual in the event that the claimant believes they were not provided with sufficient financial provision. It is also more formally known as an Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) 1975 Act claim.
Who can claim under the Inheritance Act 1975?
Inheritance Act 1975 claims can be made by certain individuals who were financially reliant on the deceased individual. This can include:
- Spouses
- Civil partners
- Former spouses
- Former civil partners
- Children of the deceased
- Persons who the deceased treated as their child (e.g. step children)
- Cohabitees
- Persons who were financially maintained by the deceased
How much does an Inheritance Act claim cost?
The cost of claiming inheritance can vary, with most of the costs coming from Court fees and professional fees. In the UK, the fixed issue fees for making an Inheritance Act claim are £280 for the County Court and £480 for the High Court.
As for legal fees, contact our Contentious Probate and Inheritance Disputes team by emailing us at info@dwharris.co.uk, or use our contact form to request a prompt call-back and a discussion about your case.
How long does an Inheritance Act claim take?
The Inheritance Act claim procedure usually takes less than a year and does not necessarily require court intervention. While complexities and complications can cause delays, the majority of disputes are resolved through mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution methods.
What are the grounds for making an Inheritance Act claim?
If you fall into one of the eligible groups who can make a claim, then the key grounds that we will have to prove is that the Will left by the deceased does not adequately provide for you, known as “reasonable financial provisions”
What is deemed to be “reasonable financial provisions” will depend on the individual case. For a spouse or civil partner, the amount will be what is reasonable in your circumstances, typically a similar amount to what you would receive in a divorce. For children and other dependants, it will be what is reasonably required to meet their living needs, known as “maintenance”.
What factors are considered by the court?
The court will consider several key factors when determining whether reasonable financial provisions are made by the Will. This could include:
- The nature and size of the estate
- The relationship and obligations between the deceased and the claimant
- The financial needs of the claimant and how the deceased previously met them
- The financial needs of any other involved beneficiaries
- What the Will says about the dependent
- The conduct between the claimant and the deceased, such as estrangements
- Any mental or physical disabilities that may affect the claimant
Contact our Inheritance Act claim solicitors
Our Inheritance Act claim solicitors offer a wide range of services, providing practical advice and an empathetic approach to client care.
To speak to one of our team members for help with an Inheritance Act claim, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Swansea and Talbot Green. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form, and a member of the team will be in touch.