Lifetime Promise Disputes

Lifetime promises can have significant emotional and financial implications, particularly when they are not upheld as expected. At Roythornes, we understand how complex and stressful these situations can be. Our experienced solicitors are here to provide practical and empathetic support, ensuring your interests are safeguarded and promises are enforced where appropriate.

Lifetime promise disputes often involve nuanced legal principles, including proprietary estoppel, which can make resolving these cases challenging. Whether you are seeking to enforce a lifetime promise or defending against one, our skilled team is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Our expert lawyers appreciate the strain that disputes with loved ones can have upon your relationships and, as such, prioritise conciliatory, non-confrontational solutions with a view to preserving relationships. We aim to provide amicable agreements that save you time, money and stress whilst enabling you to focus on what’s important.

At Roythornes, our private wealth disputes team offer a range of services regarding lifetime promise disputes, which include:

Gathering evidence
Negotiation and mediation
Property and land expertise
Representation in court
Advising on financial settlements
Claims involving estates and inheritance
Advice on tax implications
Enforcing or defending lifetime promises

We also offer bespoke advice for challenging lifetime gifts.

Get in touch with our Lifetime Promise Disputes solicitors

Let us resolve your lifetime promise dispute today. For tailored, personable advice, please contact our expert solicitors in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Peterborough or Spalding today. Whether you’re a client in the Midlands or across the wider UK, we’re here to give you the best chance of success possible.

Our legal expertise with lifetime promise disputes

At Roythornes, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help resolve lifetime promise disputes efficiently and effectively. From gathering evidence to court representation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Gathering evidence

Building a strong case begins with gathering robust evidence. Our team will work with you to collect relevant documentation, correspondence, and witness statements that demonstrate the existence and validity of the lifetime promise. This evidence is critical for supporting claims involving proprietary estoppel.

Negotiation and mediation

We understand the importance of preserving relationships during these disputes. Our solicitors specialise in alternative dispute resolution methods, including negotiation and mediation, to achieve amicable outcomes wherever possible. These approaches often save time, reduce costs, and minimise stress.

Property and land expertise

Lifetime promises often involve significant property or land disputes. Our deep understanding of property law ensures we can navigate the complexities of ownership, inheritance, and title disputes effectively. Whether the promise involves a family home, farmland, or investment property, we provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances.

Representation in court

If your dispute requires court intervention, our skilled litigators will provide robust representation. We have extensive experience in handling proprietary estoppel cases and other claims arising from unfulfilled lifetime promises. You can rely on us to advocate for your interests with tenacity and precision.

Advising on financial settlements

Lifetime promise disputes can have substantial financial implications. We’ll provide clear, pragmatic advice on potential settlements, ensuring your financial interests are fully protected. Whether you’re seeking compensation or defending against a claim, we’ll help you achieve a fair resolution.

Claims involving estates and inheritance

Disputes often arise when lifetime promises conflict with Wills or inheritance arrangements. Our team will work with you to resolve claims involving estates, ensuring that promises made during a lifetime are upheld wherever possible and that you receive the assets you feel entitled to.

Advice on tax implications

Lifetime promises can have significant tax consequences, particularly when they involve property transfers or large financial gifts. We’ll help you understand the tax implications of your case and provide strategic advice to minimise liabilities, using our expert accountants and tax specialists to ensure your tax losses are mitigated.

Enforcing or defending lifetime promises

We'll provide expert guidance, whether you’re seeking to enforce a lifetime promise or defending against one. Our solicitors will ensure your case is thoroughly prepared and will represent your interests with clarity and professionalism. When litigation is required, rest assured that our team will provide fierce, tactical representation, using our connection with top barristers to improve your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions about lifetime promise disputes

What is a lifetime promise?

A lifetime promise is a verbal or written assurance made by one person to another, often involving property, financial assets, or inheritance. For example, this could include promises to leave property to someone in a Will or to transfer ownership during their lifetime.

How to dispute a lifetime promise?

Disputing a lifetime promise typically involves:

Gathering evidence to demonstrate the promise was made and relied upon.
Proving detriment suffered due to reliance on the promise.
Establishing the validity of the promise under proprietary estoppel principles.

Our solicitors can guide you clearly through this process, ensuring all aspects of your claim are thoroughly prepared according to the correct regulations. Rest assured that we will make this process as easy as possible for you.

What happens if the person who made the promise has passed away?

If the person who made the lifetime promise has passed away, you may still be able to pursue a claim against their estate. Claims involving proprietary estoppel or conflicts with a Will are common in such cases. We’ll help you navigate these complexities and advocate for your rights, using our legal expertise to deliver the best possible chance of reaching a successful outcome.

What types of property or assets are commonly involved in lifetime promise disputes?

Lifetime promise disputes often involve:

Family homes
Agricultural land
Investment properties
Business assets
Significant financial gifts

Our team has extensive experience handling disputes involving these and other high-value assets. Whatever asset your lifetime promise dispute concerns, rest assured that our team can provide bespoke support that puts your interests first.

Is there a time limit for a lifetime promise dispute?

There is no fixed statutory time limit for bringing a claim based on proprietary estoppel. However, acting promptly is crucial, as delays can weaken your case and make it harder to collect evidence. If the dispute involves a claim against an estate, specific deadlines under probate law may apply.

Why choose Roythornes’ lifetime promise disputes solicitors?

At Roythornes, we appreciate the emotional and financial challenges that can often accompany a lifetime promise dispute and recognise the impact that these can have upon your life if they are not handled appropriately. Our team can thoroughly assess your situation and provide a bespoke service that puts you and your loved ones’ wishes first.

Our team are proud to be recognised in The Legal 500 and through the award of Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation. Our dedication to superb client relations is also reflected by our Customer Service Excellence award. We also include members of Resolution, a group of family lawyers committed to resolving disputes constructively, ensuring minimal conflict during this sensitive process.