4. Get legal help
You have to go to court to make a claim or challenge a will. This can cost a lot of money and take a long time. And it can be very complicated if you decide to make more than one type of claim.
It's a good idea to get help from an estates lawyer.
If you want to make a claim
A lawyer can discuss your options with you, tell you if they think you can be successful, and help you through the process. They can also make sure that you do not miss the deadlines to make these claims.
If you start a claim and it's not successful, a judge may order you to pay some or all of the 's legal costs.
If your married partner dies
If your partner dies and you're thinking of claiming an , it can be difficult to know how much you can get from it.
You may also need help to compare the amounts you get from each of the following options before deciding what to take:
- an equalization payment
- what you can get under the will or from the
So, it's important to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can after your partner dies to figure out which option is best for you.