Many people assume that only someone named in a Will can challenge it. In reality, a person does not always need to be included as a beneficiary to contest a Will. In certain circumstances, someone who has been left out may still have legal standing to bring a claim.

When a person dies, their estate will be administered by a person or persons named as ‘executors’ in their will, or, in cases where they did not leave one, by anyone who has the highest standing to do so (which largely matches the rules of who benefits under a so-called intestacy). These individuals are also called personal representatives (PRs).

When a dispute arises between two parties, it’s not as simple as going straight to court. Before formal legal proceedings can begin, there are pre-action conduct requirements that must be followed.

Many business owners encounter commercial disputes at some stage, as disagreements are a natural part of running a business. In most cases, issues can be addressed and resolved internally through open communication and practical problem-solving.