Time limits

There are various time limits for contesting a will. In the United Kingdom, a person must contest a will within six months of the date of probate; claims made after this date are usually regarded as weaker.

There are, however, several situations in which this deadline is not applicable. For instance, you could challenge the Will after the first deadline has passed if fresh information becomes available later. Furthermore, even when a claim is filed after the customary deadline, the court may use its discretion to approve it if there are accusations of fraud, undue influence, or lack of testamentary competence.

The thoroughness of your objection to the will and the extent of supporting documentation you need to gather and review will significantly influence the duration of the will dispute process. This could involve reaching out to various public and private entities, obtaining medical records, and drafting witness statements.  

If a contested will progresses to trial and is decided upon by the court, it could span from six months to several years. While not always the case, will-contest conflicts are often resolved in mediation. If you are contemplating contesting a will, it’s crucial to be prepared for the possibility of a longer-than-expected process.