25/09/2026
Who can make a claim under the Inheritance Act?
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to apply to the court if they have not been reasonably provided for in someone's will, or under the intestacy rules.
You may be able to bring a claim if you are the spouse or civil partner of the person who died, a former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried, a cohabiting partner who lived with them for at least two years before their death, a child of the person, someone treated as a child of the family, or someone who was being financially maintained by them.
The court looks at your financial needs, your relationship with the person who died, the size of the estate and any obligations they had to you.
There is a strict time limit. A claim must usually be made within six months of the date probate is granted. Waiting past this can mean you lose the right to claim.
If you feel you have not been properly provided for, get advice quickly. Our Contentious Probate team can help you understand your options.
Call us on 01253 824 216 for a free, no-obligation conversation.