When a spouse or partner dies, families often assume the legal side will be straightforward. The surviving partner inherits, life continues and any real complications will come later – after the second death. However, this expectation rarely matches reality. The first death is actually one of the most common trigger points for inheritance disputes, catching families unprepared when emotions are already running high. Much depends on how assets are owned and what the Wills say. When children from previous relationships or step-families are involved, expectations often clash. Adult children may assume they’ll inherit part of a property immediately, while the surviving spouse believes they can stay there for life. Sometimes, a Will grants the survivor life-long residence rights. This offers security but brings responsibilities, such as maintaining the property and paying insurance and bills. However, as survivors age, they may struggle with upkeep costs and when properties fall into disrepair, beneficiaries worry their future inheritance is losing value. What began as “you’ll have the house one day” can feel like a shrinking legacy. These situations often lead to: Claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 for “reasonable financial provision”. Breach of trust claims against survivors who haven’t maintained properties. Disputes over unclear or outdated Wills. Conflicts arising from informal promises not reflected in legal documents. When to seek help from a contested probate lawyer When disagreements arise, the sooner advice is obtained the more options exist to resolve matters quickly and cost-effectively. Court proceedings remain an option as they can interpret Wills, decide Inheritance Act claims, or rule on ownership of property. However, most cases settle through negotiation or mediation, allowing families to reach compromise with independent help. How Morr & Co can help? If you have any questions or would like any further information on the content of this article, please do not hesitate to contact our Contested Probate team on 0333 038 9100 or email info@morrlaw.com and a member of our expert team will get back to you. Disclaimer Although correct at the time of publication, the contents of this newsletter/blog are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Please contact us for the latest legal position. Authored by Kellie Williams-Jauvel Partner, Head of Department Message Tags Insights Perspectives On this page Related Stories Double success at the prestigious Probate Industry Awards 2025 Morr & Co promotes two talented lawyers in the Contentious Trusts and Probate team View more Contact our team today to find out more get in touch
