• Has someone close omitted you from their will or left you only a small part of their estate?
• Has a promise been made to you that a deceased person has not fulfilled in their will?
• Are you concerned about a will’s validity?
• Do you want legal advice because there is no will?
• Do you want clarification on what certain clauses mean within a will?
• Do you want advice on your rights as a beneficiary?

There are many possible reasons why you may need legal advice. Lance Pratley is a lawyer with trustee company experience. This equips him with added knowledge for dealing with will and estate disputes.

Lance says to act promptly. “It is wise to get independent legal advice soon after a person has died. First, because the law imposes time limits on making a claim. Secondly, it is best to have a dispute resolved before the assets of the estate are distributed or disposed of."

Once the legal time limits expire or, if the assets of the estate have gone, it may be too late to take any action.

Disputes over wills and estates can be destructive of family and other close relationships. So Lance often suggests to clients they seek resolution by mediation or other alternatives to court. If these less confrontational options aren’t achievable, Lance is well accustomed to court proceedings for will and estate disputes.