One in five Britons would challenge a Will, highlighting a growing inheritance dispute crisis.
And estate planning specialist Steve Bish believes many of these disputes could be avoided through clearer communication and better planning.
“The greatest gift you can leave your family isn’t money, its clarity,” says Steve Bish, founder of Steve Bish Estate Planning.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that family disputes after someone dies rarely happen because people are greedy or intentionally difficult. More often than not, disagreements happen because there wasn’t enough clarity.
“I’ve seen families fall out over things that could have been avoided entirely with a few simple conversations and some careful planning. At a time when people are grieving, uncertainty can quickly turn into misunderstanding, resentment and, in some cases, expensive legal disputes.
“The reality is this: when it comes to your estate, ambiguity is the enemy. Leaving clear instructions isn’t just good estate planning – it’s one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love.”
The warning comes as research shows families are purposely delaying the probate process to deal with arguments over who should inherit which assets, according to new figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
In excess of 11,500 applications to halt the after-death administration of estates, known as probate, were filed last year, Freedom of Information data from the MoJ obtained by law firm TWM Solicitors found.
In the 12 months to 31 July 2025, there was a 12% increase in applications for probate caveats – which temporarily prevent a grant of probate from being issued – a rise from 10,313 to 11,589.

The same research found that almost half of UK adults are concerned that a missing or outdated Will could cause family disputes after their death.
Drawing on years of experience helping families plan for the future, Bish has identified five practical steps that can significantly reduce the risk of conflict after death.
1. Explain the Reasoning Behind Your Decisions
A Will sets out what happens to your assets, but it rarely explains why those decisions have been made.
Whether one child has already received financial support, another has additional needs, or specific assets are being left to particular beneficiaries, providing context can help prevent misunderstandings.
A Letter of Wishes or Letter of Intent allows individuals to explain their thinking in their own words. While not legally binding, these documents often help families understand and accept decisions that might otherwise cause friction.
2. Choose Your Executor Carefully
Appointing an executor is one of the most important decisions in the estate planning process.
While many people naturally choose a family member, this can sometimes place that individual in a difficult position, particularly where family relationships are already strained.
In some circumstances, appointing a professional executor or trusted independent person can help ensure the estate is administered impartially and efficiently, reducing the potential for disputes.
3. Don’t Overlook Sentimental Possessions
Inheritance disagreements are often triggered not by financial assets, but by personal items with emotional significance.
Wedding rings, watches, photographs, jewellery and family heirlooms frequently become the focus of conflict because of the memories attached to them.
Estate planners recommend making wishes regarding sentimental items clear by creating a written list, gifting possessions during your lifetime, or leaving specific instructions about how items should be distributed.
4. Regularly Review Beneficiary Nominations
Many people are unaware that certain assets – including pensions, life insurance policies and some investment accounts – may pass outside of their Will.
Outdated beneficiary nominations can lead to assets being inherited by unintended recipients, including former spouses or partners.
Experts recommend reviewing beneficiary forms every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or bereavement.
5. Have Open Conversations with Family
According to Bish, one of the most effective ways to avoid future disputes is also one of the simplest: talk openly with loved ones.
Families do not need to discuss exact financial figures, but helping beneficiaries understand the general intentions behind an estate plan can prevent surprises and confusion later.
Where sensitive issues may arise, involving a solicitor or estate planning professional in discussions can provide additional reassurance and clarity.
Bish often asks clients a straightforward question:
“Does any part of your estate plan rely on someone ‘doing the right thing’ or ‘sharing fairly’ without clear legal instructions?”
If the answer is yes, there may still be gaps in the planning process.
“The greatest gift you can leave your family isn’t necessarily money or possessions,” says Bish. “It’s certainty. It’s knowing you’ve thought things through, made your wishes clear and done everything possible to spare the people you love from unnecessary stress and conflict.”