Achieve a fair financial outcome
Inheritance Act disputes
Get help making or defending an inheritance claim with a realistic and impartial financial analysis.
Are you struggling with an inheritance dispute, unsure of what you’re entitled to, or fighting an unreasonable claim?
Our team of lifestyle analysts specialises in creating and challenging budgets for dependants involved in Inheritance Act cases.
Whether making a claim or defending against one, an evidence-based Income Needs Schedule that accurately represents your interests is essential. With years of experience working with law firms and private clients, we can help you achieve a fair settlement and bring proceedings to a quicker conclusion, saving you time and money.
Why do you need an Income Needs Schedule?
An Inheritance Act dispute is a disagreement or challenge over the distribution of an estate or inheritance tax (IHT) liability after the death of a loved one.
They can arise when a beneficiary or dependent feels they’ve not received a fair or appropriate share of the estate, or there’s disagreement over the value of the assets, debts or liabilities. They can also occur when there are issues with the will, such as a lack of validity or claims of undue influence.
Inheritance Act disputes can be complex and emotional, and often require the assistance of legal and financial professionals to resolve. That’s where we can help.
Who can make an Inheritance Act claim?
In the UK, the following people can make an Inheritance Act claim:
- Spouse or civil partner of the deceased
- Children of the deceased (including adult children)
- Former spouses or civil partners who haven’t remarried
- Financial dependents (cohabiting partners, ex-partners or other relatives)
- Anyone named in a current or previous will
- Anyone promised an inheritance by the deceased but not included in their will
- Unpaid creditors of the deceased
What factors does a Court consider when deciding Inheritance Act claims?
When deciding Inheritance Act claims, a Court considers several factors, such as:
- The financial resources and needs of the claimant
- The financial resources and needs of the other beneficiaries
- The deceased’s obligations and responsibilities to the claimant and other beneficiaries
- The size and nature of the estate
The Court may also consider any other relevant factors, such as the conduct of the parties involved. The Court’s decision will be based on each case’s specific facts and circumstances and aim to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome.
That’s why, whether you’re making or disputing an Inheritance Act claim, a robust, impartial and evidence-based Income Needs Schedule is the most successful way to demonstrate your case.
Get clarity and peace of mind
Why do you need an Income Needs Schedule?
An Income Needs Schedule sets out reasonable financial requirements in Inheritance Act claims.
It will outline your regular living costs and other financial obligations, such as mortgage or rent payments, bills, healthcare and other essential expenses. The schedule is a crucial document that provides evidence of your financial needs and will help a Court determine the amount of financial provision you’re entitled to receive from the deceased’s estate. It can also help you challenge an over-inflated claim against you.
Whatever you’re using it for, an Income Needs Schedule should be realistic, impartial and evidence-based to give a clear picture of the financial situation.
Reduce stress & anxiety
Professional guidance and support to help reduce the emotional toll of Inheritance Act disputes.
Objective analysis
Independent and impartial analysis of income, expenses, assets and debts for a fair case assessment.
Save time & money
Quicker settlements and reduced legal costs with accurate and robust Income Needs Schedules.
Achieve a fair settlement
Achieve a fair and reasonable settlement, protecting your rights and financial interests.
Quicker settlements
Quicker out-of-court settlements, minimising the emotional impact of the proceedings.
Realistic budgets
Income Needs Schedules based on needs, not wants, to ensure realistic and fair budgets.
Work with us
Why Pennywise Consultants?
Inheritance Act proceedings can be stressful, upsetting and emotional for all affected. We help alleviate the burden.
We specialise in creating and challenging lifestyle budgets and income needs schedules in mediation and legal proceedings. Our independent, impartial reports are clear, easy to understand and presented in a format accepted by judges, court officials and legal professionals.
Many top-tier law firms in England and Wales have successfully used our budgets to achieve fair outcomes. We go the extra mile to help you and your clients make big decisions quickly and confidently, providing certainty and peace of mind.
We can do the same for you. Interested?
