Making an Inheritance Act Claim – What you need to know

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 is there to protect certain categories of people who have been excluded from a Will, or do not feel they have been adequately provided for from the deceased’s estate.

If the deceased did not have a valid Will, or you feel you have been left out of a Will, or haven’t been left a reasonable amount of inheritance, you may be entitled to make an Inheritance Act claim.

Only certain people can bring an inheritance act claim, these include:

– Spouses and civil partners (former spouse or civil partners)

– Cohabiting partners (who lived with the deceased for at least two years prior to their death)

– Children adopted children, or those who have been treated as a child of the deceased (this includes adult children)

– Other dependants who have been financially dependent upon the deceased.

From the date Probate or Letters of Administration were granted, you have 6 months to make an Inheritance Act claim. In certain circumstances, the Court may grant you permission to bring an Inheritance Act claim outside of this timeframe. Therefore, even if the 6-month period has passed, it is still worth seeking legal advice to see if we can help you.

At Bromleys Solicitors, we offer various funding arrangements for you to make your Inheritance Act claims. Our team of legal specialists will be able to discuss which option is best for you.

If you think you may be entitled to make an Inheritance Act claim, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Call us today on 0161 330 6821 or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk to start the process.