Inheritance Disputes Are Rising – Here’s How to Protect Your Family

Inheritance disputes are becoming increasingly common across the UK. Recent research shows that more than 1 in 5 UK adults would consider challenging a will or inheritance if they believed it was unfair or didn’t reflect what the deceased truly wanted. The question is: what practical steps can you take now to protect your loved ones from conflict later?

Why Are Inheritance Disputes Increasing?

According to research by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, one of the primary drivers of inheritance disputes is simply the absence of a valid, up-to-date will. Nearly half of all UK adults currently have no will in place – and almost the same proportion worry that an outdated or missing will could trigger family disagreements.

These aren’t abstract concerns. A study among over 115 Accredited Lifetime Lawyers found that 78% have seen a rise in contested estates over the past five years. Lawyers report that the most common triggers include unequal distribution between children, the complexities of blended family dynamics, poorly drafted DIY wills, and in many cases, no will at all. Strikingly, 91% of those same lawyers say their clients are generally surprised to discover the legal consequences of having an outdated or missing will. It’s a gap between assumption and reality that can have serious – and costly – consequences for families.

Step 1: Write a Will (If You Haven’t Already)

If you don’t have a will, this is the single most important action you can take to protect your family’s future. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed – and that outcome may not reflect your wishes. A properly drafted will removes ambiguity and significantly reduces the risk of disputes between family members. Nearly half of UK adults still don’t have a will in place. If you’re among them, now is the time to change that.

Step 2: Keep Your Will Up to Date

A will isn’t a one-time document — it should evolve as your life does. Estate planning professionals recommend reviewing your will every five years, or after any significant life event, including:

• Marriage or divorce
• Becoming a grandparent
• A change in financial circumstances or starting a business
• A bereavement in the family
• You or a beneficiary obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate

Failing to update a will after major changes is a common, and avoidable, cause of disputes. This is particularly relevant for blended families, where changes in relationships and family structure can quickly make an existing will inadequate or open to challenge.

Step 3: Have the Difficult Conversations

Proactive communication is one of the most underrated tools in inheritance planning. Letting your family know what to expect – whether that’s the contents of your will, your funeral wishes, or how you’d like assets divided means fewer surprises and less room for conflict. These conversations aren’t easy, but having them while you can is far better than leaving loved ones to interpret your intentions after the fact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inheritance Disputes

Can a will be challenged in the UK? Yes. A will can be contested on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or if a dependent believes they were inadequately provided for under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

What makes a will legally valid in the UK? A valid will must be in writing, signed by the person making it in the presence of two independent witnesses, who must also sign. It must be made voluntarily by someone aged 18 or over with the mental capacity to do so.

How often should I update my will? Every five years as a minimum, or sooner if your personal or financial circumstances change significantly.

Are blended families more at risk of inheritance disputes? Yes. Blended families where one or both partners have children from previous relationships face additional complexity around inheritance. Clear, regularly updated wills and open family communication are especially important in these situations.

Take Action Now

If you haven’t written a will, or haven’t reviewed yours recently, there’s no better time than now to address it. At mlplaw, our Accredited Lifetime Lawyers specialise in later-life legal planning and can help you put legally robust arrangements in place – giving you peace of mind and helping your family avoid unnecessary conflict.

To get advice on writing or updating your will, or if you have concerns about a potential inheritance dispute, contact us on 0161 926 9969 or wtp@mlplaw.co.uk