The homemade Will was found to be valid, resulting in a charity inheriting £180,000 in place of the testator’s family members.
Read moreExpert contentious probate legal services in Manchester
We bring decades of experience in resolving all types of inheritance disputes quickly, efficiently and sensitively. A particularly unique area of law, our Manchester-based contentious probate solicitors work solely in this field.
- Challenging a Will — you may have concerns about a Will’s validity or whether it represents the true wishes of a deceased person. We can investigate and interpret the validity of a Will and can also support those facing a challenge to a Will.
- Executor and trustee misconduct — we frequently act for beneficiaries who have concerns about the handling of an estate by executors, trustees or personal representatives. We also provide advice to executors who are unsure about what may be required of them.
- Financial abuse — we can help with challenges against lifetime gifts or transactions that may be a result of financial abuse — often, those receiving assistance with their finances can be open to exploitation.
- Inheritance Act claims — under the Inheritance Act 1975, claims can be brought by a person who doesn’t receive reasonable financial provision under a Will (or under the intestacy rules, if no Will exists).
We’ll work closely with you to offer the highest standard of practical advice and develop a bespoke strategy for the resolution of your inheritance dispute.
Dealing with contentious probate issues can be challenging, but your life is made easier with the right legal expertise on your side. We have a particularly strong track record in handling complex, high-value cases, including those involving large estates.
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Serving Manchester with warmth, talent and experience
With over 200 years’ experience, we are one of the largest law firms in the North and have over 500 experts ready to help you. As well as probate, we handle all types of legal matters for individuals and businesses — acting as your one-stop legal partner.
We’ve been acknowledged in The Legal 500’s 2025 Top Tier and Hall of Fame, commended by peers in The Times Best Law Firms and recognised as the Best Law Firm to Work For in the UK by Best Companies.
We're committed to offering a personal, bespoke service. As an independent law firm, we can be principled and truly objective — serving our customers with warmth, passion and empathy. We appreciate that matters relating to contentious probate can be emotionally difficult.
Our team covers the entire Greater Manchester region — including the city centre, Bolton, Sale, Rochdale, Stockport, Salford and Wigan — and beyond. Whether you’d like to visit us at our welcoming offices at Barbirolli Square or you’d prefer to talk to us virtually, we're flexible.
Meet our contentious probate team
Contact our team
Our contentious probate team can be reached by phoning 0151 600 3000 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Alternatively, you can email inheritance@brabners.com or click the button below and fill in our contact form.
“The specialist contentious trusts and probate team at Brabners advises domestic and international clients on a broad range of matters relating to the resolution of disputes and the administration of estates, including challenges to the validity of Wills, Court of Protection proceedings and Charity Act matters involving trustees. The ‘engaging and solution-focused' practice head Nicola Turner is a contentious trusts and probate expert with strong commercial capabilities. Beth Middleton, who is also a contentious trusts and probate specialist, is another key practitioner.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Nicola Turner took instructions and immediately formulated a strategy to deal with what became a lengthy and difficult case. At each stage, she had a clear vision of what the next stage looked like and was able to drive the other parties’ responses with great skill — allowing her to carry out in-depth comparisons of the responses and evidence provided by the other party. She advised and managed my expectations, so any decisions made were fact-based and provided a pathway to the eventual result. I have no hesitation in recommending Nicola.”
Will validity challenge defendant
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for agreeing to take on our situation, the support and guidance you have given to us and for your professionalism at all times. It has been a very difficult time for us, reading your emails and following your suggested route to proceed to the next steps has kept us strong and more determined, which we sincerely thank you for. We cannot express in words to you how much we appreciate everything you have done.”
Anonymous wills and probate client
“Thank you so much, Nicola [Turner]. Please know that you have made a huge difference to my son’s life and my own — and we are hugely grateful for all that you have done. This is truly the first time in over four years where I don’t feel like I am carrying a ton of lead weight with me everywhere. We can finally begin to live again. So grateful to you.”
Client feedback
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We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities. Founded in 1815 and rooted in the North, our independence allows us to be principled and provide a service with heart and character.
In 2022, we became the largest law firm in the UK to become B Corp certified. This is an independent marker that we're purpose-driven, committed to creating benefits for all stakeholders and operating as a force for good.
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Insights about inheritance disputes
From building a family to creating Wills and trusts, buying or selling property, land or a business, planning for your succession or dealing with a crisis, it helps to have ready access to a multidisciplinary legal team that can support you with whatever life throws your way.
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Read moreContact our Manchester contentious probate experts
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