Estate Administration Disputes

Administering an estate is often a demanding and sensitive task. Executors or administrators are entrusted with carrying out the wishes of the deceased, settling liabilities, and distributing assets fairly. However, the process can give rise to disagreements, sometimes over decisions made, sometimes over conduct or perceived unfairness. Estate administration disputes can delay probate, increase legal costs, and strain family relationships.

At Blackstone Solicitors, we support clients in resolving estate-related conflicts with clarity, discretion, and strategic legal expertise.

At Blackstone, we always aim to provide the best service possible. Meticulous in our approach, we will make sure everything is dealt with as you wish and will keep you updated throughout the legal process, ensuring that you always know of any developments.

“Very professional company with courteous and very helpful staff. I would have no difficulty in recommending them to anyone.”

– John Maroulis

Common Triggers for Dispute

Estate disputes during administration may emerge from various issues, including:

Executor misconduct: Allegations of mismanagement, delay, or bias in handling assets or distributing legacies.
Beneficiary dissatisfaction: Concerns about unfair treatment, lack of communication, or unequal distribution.
Validity of the will: Late discovery of a more recent will, or doubts about capacity and undue influence.
Ambiguous estate assets: Lack of clarity regarding ownership or valuation of certain assets, including property, business interests, or personal possessions.
Competing claims: Multiple individuals claiming entitlement, such as under intestacy or the Inheritance Act.

These disputes can escalate if not promptly addressed, leading to contested probate proceedings or claims for financial remedy.

Executor Duties and Legal Standards

Executors must act with transparency, impartiality, and diligence. Their core responsibilities include:

Identifying and securing estate assets
Settling debts, taxes, and liabilities
Distributing assets according to the will (or intestacy rules)
Keeping beneficiaries reasonably informed
Maintaining accurate accounts and documentation

Failing in these duties can lead to removal applications, court investigations, and, where loss arises, personal liability.

Resolving Estate Disputes

Disputes may be resolved through several channels:

Informal negotiation: Many conflicts can be diffused by early legal intervention and constructive dialogue.
Mediation: A neutral facilitator helps parties reach mutually acceptable terms outside of court.
Court proceedings: In serious cases, parties may apply to the Probate Registry or the Chancery Division for formal orders—including removal of executors, directions for conduct, or a grant revocation.
Protective steps: Interim relief such as freezing orders or caveats may be deployed to preserve estate assets during dispute resolution.

At Blackstone Solicitors, we tailor our approach to the facts and emotional dynamics at play, ensuring legal remedies are balanced with pragmatism and empathy.

Preventing Disputes Through Planning

Many estate administration disputes can be avoided through careful planning. We advise clients to:

Appoint trusted and capable executors
Ensure wills are professionally drafted and regularly updated
Maintain clear records of asset ownership and intentions
Consider professional executorship where family relationships are delicate or complex

Proactive steps can save time, money, and emotional distress in the long run.

Our Approach

We place huge emphasis on getting things done properly and efficiently. This is especially true when providing legal advice on estate administration disputes and we have vast experience of this area of law. We take all of the necessary provisions to protect you, your family and your estate ensuring they are properly set out, fulfilling every aim and objective whatever your requirements may be.

Our Services

We can provide help with a wide range of matters relating to wills and inheritance disputes, including:

Get in Touch

Contact us today to discuss any matter relating to estate administration disputes. We can talk about your situation in-depth and get to the bottom of what you need and how we can help. We are here to answer any questions which you have, and we aim to make everything as simple for you as possible.

Our team is approachable and professional, and we will do everything in our power to help you get the outcome you need. Call us on 0330 808 0801 or, if you would prefer us to contact you, leave your details via our online enquiry form.

We offer our services to clients in Manchester, Chester, Cheshire and throughout the rest of the UK. We also have an office in London.