Further developments

[inaquandary]

You may recall I've posted equiries on this site previously in connection with my late Mother's Will. I am sole beneficiary, probate granted to me, the Will has been contested, I've incurred costs of �15,000 for simply being a beneficiary because the Will has been contested. I've stopped my solicitor working on my behalf because I'm not happy that the process has been conducted properly nor with the huge expense. I've now received a letter from the claimant's solicitor stating I must instruct a psychiatrist in the case and incur 50% of the cost (ie another �1000!!). I've already got and paid for a psychiatric report in this case in May this year. Where do I go from hear. It's an absolute nightmare.

inaquandary

[factor-fiction]

Get a solicitor!

[Whickerman]

fast

[factor-fiction]

Further to my previous answer, I have had a thought, How much is the other person claimimg? It may be cheaper to strike a deal rather than have both parties paying solicitors

[kujawski]

Who? What? is the other person claiming?
are they a relative?

[inaquandary]

Thank you all for your replies. I don't know exactly what he is claiming but knowing the person involved he'll be going for 100%. The problem with coming to a settlement is that I don't feel able to do that since it would mean going against my Mother's wishes. This person was bullying Mum over her Will for months prior to her death - she resisted and wouldn't give him his own way and I would feel I had betrayed her if I did. Once again, thanks for your responses.

inaquandary

[beryllium]

Hi inaquandry,
As you have already instructed a psychiatrist, I do feel that is enough. I do not understand why you are being asked to do this again. So your answer is no.
I take it you have the report that was made in May this year? since you paid for it.
btw. �1000 as half the bill??? yeah right!!! �500 should be 1/2 not �1000.... I take it the first psychiatrist was under your instruction, and the second one is by the claimants solicitors request to carry on fighting you.

If that is the case, then the claimant has to pay for that.
Not you.

You could, in fact, just simply no longer answer the claimant or his solicitor.

Probate has been granted to you by the Will left and according to the Law.
End of.
If the claimant had started at the beginning, before probate was granted??? then maybe there would be a case to answer.

Good Luck. Don't get stressed.

B.

[VillageVicar]

Inaquan: I'm so sorry to hear of the challenges you're facing. It reminds me of several years ago when I was seeking legal advice and did not wish to spend charity or church funds on what I believed to be pure silliness. I contacted an internet 'free advice' service. I was actually surprised by the responses I received. There were many. Whilst it was a long time ago and I can no longer remember the exact one I went to, I'll provide you with a link to a similar service. They also have a 'consult' option, where you pay for the service. However, you may be able to get some straight forward advice.

May I ask please: Do you think the solicitor who wrote you is aware you are balking at paying more fees and may not be able to do so and as such the solicitor is hoping you won't respond, or refuse, thus moving the grant of the will in their favour? It's just a thought.

http://www.freelawyer.co.uk/about_us.htm

I wish you every success

Fr Bill