How to Resolve Probate or Death Registration Issues
Probate disputes: contested wills, executor disputes, death registration errors. Probate Registry and court routes.
If you are involved in a probate dispute — whether contesting a will, challenging the actions of an executor, or dealing with an error in a death registration — there are formal processes available.
To contest a will, you may enter a caveat at the Probate Registry, which prevents a grant of probate from being issued for 6 months. This gives you time to pursue legal action. Grounds for contesting a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to comply with the Wills Act 1837.
For death registration errors, contact the local register office where the death was registered. Corrections to factual errors can be made with supporting evidence. For more complex disputes, contact the General Register Office.
Key Legislation
- Administration of Estates Act 1925
- Wills Act 1837
- Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953
Key Deadlines
- Caveat: lasts 6 months, renewable
- Inheritance Act claims: within 6 months of the grant of probate