Inheritance Act claims

If a loved one dies, and you have been unexpectedly and unfairly left out of their will, you may have what is referred to as an “Inheritance Act claim” (under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975).

If you are within the following categories, and you have been left out of the will, you should consider seeking advice to assess whether you have a valid Inheritance Act claim:-

• You were married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased at the time of their death.
• You were previously married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased (so long as you have not remarried or entered a new civil partnership);
• You were living with the deceased as if you were a married couple or civil partners for the two years leading up to their death;
• The deceased was your parent;
• The deceased treated you as their child;
• You were financially maintained by the deceased in some way immediately prior to their death. This could include a variety of types of maintenance – from gifts during their life to the deceased having allowed you to live in their home rent-free.

Inheritance Act claims must be made within six months from the date of the grant of probate, with some limited exceptions, so if you think you may fit into one of the above categories and you have been excluded from a will, please contact our specialist inheritance law solicitors on 020 7183 8950, by email, or by filling in our contact form for an initial discussion.