17.6 C
Manchester
Monday, September 8, 2025
LegalClough & Willis predicting further sharp upturn in demand for its Contentious...

Clough & Willis predicting further sharp upturn in demand for its Contentious Probate services

Bury and Bolton law firm Clough & Willis is predicting that as the pandemic continues to wane demand for its Contentious Probate services will further increase to new record levels. The news comes after the firm last reported a rise of about 25% in new enquiries in September 2020 as the UK battled with the effects and ongoing uncertainties of COVID-19.

Back then, the main reasons for the soaring demand were down to Wills being rushed, badly drafted by inexperienced solicitors or non-legally binding documents which the deceased believed constituted as an official Will. Other grounds for litigation included undue influence, lack of knowledge and approval, and a belief that Wills were fraudulent or forged.

These are still major issues. However, other reasons are now also coming more into play including; family set ups being more diverse; higher life expectancies which can lead to concerns amongst potential benefactors that testators may have been suffering from an illness meaning that they did not have the required mental capacity to make their Will; rising estate values due to the soaring property prices we have seen over the past couple of years; as well as people dying suddenly or unexpectedly who did not have an up to date Will due to not being able to access the right legal advice during the height of pandemic.

A contentious probate or disputed Will is a dispute involving inheritance or the validity of a Will. They usually stem from someone feeling a Will didn’t leave them what they felt they deserved or were promised, or they may have concerns regarding the way in which a Will was made.

Grahame Henry – senior associate and dispute resolution solicitor – said: “The ongoing need for our services in this area remains high. The immediate and shocking effects of COVID are now thankfully dissipating but it is leaving a trail of problems in its wake that are having a real impact on peoples’ lives. One of which are disputed Wills. They can tear families apart and cause real distress, but our message remains the same in that we would implore that clients do their due diligence to ensure a Will is legally valid and outlines their true wishes.”

Latest

Platform81 Expands Workforce with Five New Specialists in PPC and Web Development

Platform81, a fast-growing digital marketing agency with offices in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Trowbridge, has enhanced its team with five new appointments across its PPC...

Healing power of knowledge: How learning about your condition can change everything

For many individuals, receiving a diagnosis can be likened to a door suddenly closing. The confusion: a surge of new terminology. That rising sense...

Why more UK homeowners are delaying their next move

The UK housing market has entered an unprecedented period of stagnation, with transaction volumes plummeting to levels not seen since the financial crisis of...

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...

Healing power of knowledge: How learning about your condition can change everything

For many individuals, receiving a diagnosis can be likened to a door suddenly closing. The confusion: a surge of new terminology. That rising sense...

Manchester corporate gift company setting the standard for ethical business

At a time when many companies are prioritising profit over purpose, one Manchester-based business is proving that ethics and enterprise can go hand in...

Platform81 Expands Workforce with Five New Specialists in PPC and Web Development

Platform81, a fast-growing digital marketing agency with offices in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Trowbridge, has enhanced its team with five new appointments across its PPC...

More News

Craig Cornick Cleared of Hacking Charge in Long-Running ICO Case

A Manchester businessman has been found not guilty of computer hacking, following a lengthy investigation and prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig...

Ai Law Honoured as 2025 Legal Team of the Year at National Property Awards

Ai Law is delighted to announce its latest accolade—being named “Legal Team of the Year” at the 2025 Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards....

Kaur Sutherland Champions Wellbeing-Focused Conveyancing Practice

As demands on the conveyancing sector continue to rise, law firms are being challenged to maintain quality, stay profitable, and look after the mental...