Inheritance Dispute Funding

Inheritance Dispute Funding is a specialised form of financing that provides financial assistance to beneficiaries and heirs who are involved in legal disputes over inheritance. This type of funding is typically used to cover legal fees, court costs, and other expenses associated with inheritance disputes.

Representative Example

If the total facility amount is £500, with an interest rate of 15% per annum, then over a 12-month period, the total amount repaid would be £575. This includes the original facility amount of £500, plus interest of £75. There will also be an origination fee of 2% (capped at £1,500), taking the total to £585.

How Does Inheritance Dispute Funding Work?

Inheritance Dispute Funding works by providing a cash advance to beneficiaries or heirs who are involved in an inheritance dispute. The funding is typically based on the estimated value of the inheritance, and the amount advanced is paid back to the funder out of the eventual inheritance settlement or judgment. If the dispute is not successful, the beneficiary or heir is typically not required to repay the funding.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Inheritance Disputes?

Inheritance disputes can arise for a variety of reasons, ranging from disagreements over the distribution of assets to accusations of undue influence or fraud. Here are some common causes of inheritance disputes:

• Lack of a will or estate plan: When a family member dies without a will or estate plan, it can create confusion and disagreements over how the assets should be distributed, with some claiming that they may be entitled to a sum that others do not agree with.
• Disputes over asset valuation: In some cases, beneficiaries may disagree over the value of certain assets, such as real estate or artwork, which can lead to disputes over how the assets should be distributed. This can be especially complicated if the deceased did not leave clear instructions or appraisals for the assets in question.
• Accusations of undue influence: If one beneficiary is believed to have exerted undue influence over the deceased, such as by manipulating or pressuring them into changing their will or estate plan, it can lead to disputes over the distribution of assets. Proving undue influence can be difficult, but it can be grounds for challenging the validity of a will or estate plan.
• Family conflicts and estrangement: Family conflicts, estrangement, and rivalries can also contribute to inheritance disputes, as beneficiaries may have long-standing disagreements or resentments that are exacerbated by the distribution of assets.

How Much Do Inheritance Disputes Cost?

Determining the exact cost of contesting a will can be challenging, as it depends on a variety of factors specific to each case. Some of the aspects that may impact the total cost of contesting a will include the number of parties involved in the dispute, the length of time it takes to reach a resolution, and the difficulty in gathering evidence.

In some cases, individuals may be approved for inheritance dispute funding, which would include an origination fee of 2% (with a cap of £1,500) and interest added to the total facility. It is important to note that this will vary depending on the specific funding provider and terms of the agreement.

How Is the Amount of Funding Determined?

The amount of funding provided by Inheritance Dispute Funding is typically based on the estimated value of the inheritance and the potential success of the dispute. The funder will typically review the details of the inheritance dispute and work with the beneficiary or heir to determine the appropriate amount of funding.

Who Can Benefit From Inheritance Dispute Funding?

Inheritance Dispute Funding can benefit anyone who is involved in an inheritance dispute and needs financial assistance to cover legal fees and other expenses. This type of funding is especially useful for beneficiaries and heirs who do not have the financial resources to pay for legal fees and other expenses associated with an inheritance dispute.

What Types of Inheritance Disputes Can Inheritance Dispute Funding Be Used For?

Inheritance Dispute Funding can be used for a wide range of inheritance disputes, including:

• Will contests
• Disputes over the interpretation of a will or trust
• Claims of undue influence or fraud
• Disputes over the distribution of assets.

This type of funding can also be used to cover expenses associated with estate administration, such as probate fees and executor fees.

What Are the Benefits of Using Inheritance Dispute Funding?

The benefits of using Inheritance Dispute Funding include:

• Access to financial resources to cover legal fees and other expenses associated with an inheritance dispute
• Reduced financial stress for beneficiaries and heirs who may not have the resources to pay for legal fees and other expenses
• The ability to pursue an inheritance dispute without incurring significant financial risk
• The option to receive funding without any upfront costs or credit checks

What Happens if the Inheritance Dispute Is Not Successful?

If the inheritance dispute is not successful, the beneficiary or heir is typically not required to repay the funding provided by Inheritance Dispute Funding. This means that there is no financial risk associated with using this type of funding to pursue an inheritance dispute.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Inheritance Dispute Funding?

While Inheritance Dispute Funding can be a useful tool for beneficiaries and heirs involved in inheritance disputes, there are some potential downsides to consider. These may include:

• Higher costs associated with the funding, such as interest rates and fees
• The potential for a reduced inheritance settlement or judgment due to the costs associated with the funding
• The need to share confidential information about the inheritance dispute with the funder

Can Inheritance Dispute Funding Be Used for Disputes Over Assets That Are Not Part of an Inheritance?

Inheritance Dispute Funding is typically used for disputes related to inheritance and the distribution of assets after the death of a family member. It may not be applicable to disputes over assets that are not part of an inheritance, such as disputes over joint property or assets that are subject to divorce proceedings.

Can Inheritance Dispute Funding Be Used for Disputes Over a Living Family Member’s Assets?

No. Although  disputes over the assets of a living family member, such as disputes over a trust or power of attorney, are prevalent, they are not covered by Inheritance Dispute Funding, which is only used for settling disputes over the estate of a deceased person.

How Does Inheritance Dispute Funding Differ From Traditional Litigation Funding?

Inheritance Dispute Funding differs from traditional litigation funding in that it is specifically tailored to assist beneficiaries and heirs involved in inheritance disputes. Traditional litigation funding can be used for a wide range of legal disputes, while Inheritance Dispute Funding is specifically designed to address the unique challenges associated with inheritance disputes.

Inheritance Dispute Funding typically also does not require any upfront costs or credit checks, and the funding is typically based on the estimated value of the inheritance.

Are There Any Alternatives to Inheritance Dispute Funding?

There may be alternatives to Inheritance Dispute Funding, such as:

• Obtaining a loan
• Using personal funds to cover legal fees and other expenses associated with an inheritance dispute
• Borrowing from friends and family

However, these options may not be feasible or desirable for beneficiaries and heirs who may not have the financial resources to cover these expenses. Consulting with legal professionals and exploring all available options can help beneficiaries and heirs make informed decisions about how to best pursue their inheritance dispute.