Only a few specific types of people can claim under the Inheritance Act 1975.
Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependents Act
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 is a law that protects people who are financially dependent on another person when they die. The Act allows some people to claim against a Will if it does not provide a reasonable amount of inheritance.
To be eligible to claim under the Act, it must be determined “has the deceased’s estate made reasonable and financial provision for the class of the potential applicant by the standard applicable to that applicant?”
If it is decided that someone should be granted financial provisions under the Act, the Court can only order such provision if it is reasonably necessary for the applicant’s maintenance. Therefore, the person that made a claim should live ‘at neither a luxurious nor poverty-stricken level’.
Find out more by contacting our team of Solicitors in Richmond.
Who can claim under the Act?
If you want to make a claim, under UK inheritance law, you have to be a specific type of person, as defined in the Inheritance Act:
- A spouse or civil partner of the deceased
- A former spouse or civil partner of the deceased (as long as you have not remarried/entered into a subsequent partnership)
- A person who was living with the deceased for the two years before their death
- A child of the deceased
- A person who was treated as a child of the family by the deceased
- Any other person maintained wholly or partly by the deceased immediately before death.
I want to make a claim under the Inheritance Act
Claiming under the Inheritance Act can be complicated, especially if you are unsure of your rights concerning your relationship with the deceased.
If you want to claim under the Inheritance Act 1975, please get in touch with our team of contentious probate solicitors, who will take the time to carefully guide you through the process and advise you on your claim.
For more information about how to make a claim under the Inheritance Act, click here.
Probate Solicitor in Richmond
At Jackson Longe, we know that the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of your rights. Therefore, our team of solicitors are on hand every step of the way, even if you are uncertain of time restraints or other factors.
Get in touch with our friendly team today on 0208 332 2069.