Inheritance Act Claim Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to notify estate of intention to make Inheritance Act 1975 claim, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong inheritance act claim letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the claimant's relationship to the deceased and the grounds for reasonable financial provision
• Request that the estate is not distributed pending resolution of the claim

What an Inheritance Act claim actually involves

Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, certain people — spouses, former spouses, children, and some dependants — can claim if a will (or intestacy rules) doesn't make reasonable financial provision for them, even where the will itself is entirely valid. This is different from challenging the will's validity; it accepts the will is valid but argues the outcome isn't fair.

What to include before you send it

• Your relationship to the deceased and why you're eligible to claim under the Act
• Why you believe reasonable financial provision hasn't been made for you
• Details of your financial circumstances and needs
• Notification to the estate of your intention to make a claim

Why acting within the strict time limit is absolutely critical

A claim to the court must normally be made within 6 months of the date the grant of representation (probate or letters of administration) is first taken out. After that, the court's permission is needed, so it is important to act early.

The Inheritance Act applies in England and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own law, the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979, and there is no equivalent claim in Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can actually bring an Inheritance Act claim?
Eligible categories include spouses, civil partners, former spouses who haven't remarried, children, people treated as a child of the family, and certain dependants who were being financially maintained by the deceased.

Does this apply if there was no will at all?
Yes — Inheritance Act claims can also apply where someone died intestate and the resulting statutory distribution doesn't provide reasonable financial provision for an eligible claimant.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Executor / Administrator]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Notice of a possible Inheritance Act claim – Estate of [Name of Deceased]

I am writing to you as personal representative of the estate of [Name of Deceased], who died on [Date of Death].

I intend to make a claim against the estate under [England and Wales: the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 / Northern Ireland: the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979]. [Note: these do not apply in Scotland, which has different rules.]

I can claim because I am the deceased's [e.g. spouse / former spouse / child / partner who lived with them for at least two years before they died / someone they were supporting financially].

The [will / intestacy rules] do not make reasonable financial provision for me because [reason, e.g. it leaves me without enough income or a home]. My circumstances: [e.g. my income is £[amount] a month and my essential outgoings are £[amount]].

Please send me within 14 days:
• the will and any codicils (if there is a will);
• the grant of probate or letters of administration (if issued); and
• a summary of the estate's assets and debts.

A claim must normally be made to the court within 6 months of the grant of representation being taken out. Please do not distribute the estate while this claim is being resolved. If you distribute it after receiving this notice, you may be personally liable.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]