Interview with Martin P Holdsworth: The Rise of Contentious Probate Cases and the Launch of IDRN
The contentious probate industry in England and Wales is experiencing a significant increase in cases, with the number of contested wills reaching an all-time high in recent years. Today’s Wills and Probate sat down with Martin P Holdsworth, Founder and Director of IDR Law, a specialist contentious wills and probate firm, to discuss this trend and IDR Law’s latest innovation – the IDR Network (IDRN).
According to a recent report, there were 192 contested wills in 2019 and 2020, a 50% increase from the previous year. Martin P Holdsworth noted that IDR Law has seen a surge in work over the past few years, with over 3,000 enquiries and a team of 21 contentious probate lawyers.
Holdsworth attributes the rise in contentious probate cases to various factors, including increased property values, higher dementia rates, and a lack of proper estate planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the increase in disputes, as more deaths have occurred.
To address the growing demand for support in inheritance disputes, IDR Law recently launched the IDRN, a network that provides practitioners with information, support, and training in dealing with contentious probate cases. The IDRN offers a range of resources, including case studies, downloadable guides, legal tech solutions, training materials, and discounts on services for members.
Common issues that IDRN users seek advice on include estate administration delays, missing wills, and beneficiary disputes. The network also features an “Ask the Experts” feature where users can submit queries for guidance.
Practitioners interested in joining IDRN as experts or advisers can reach out to IDR Law. The network aims to provide a comprehensive support system for professionals in the wills and probate industry.
Looking ahead, Holdsworth predicts continued growth in the probate sector, driven by the increasing reliance on inheritances for financial security. He advises practitioners to stay informed, embrace legal tech, and ensure they are properly qualified to handle disputes.
To learn more about IDR Law and join the IDRN for free, visit their website at https://idrlaw.co.uk/.
