An executor will not act
Someone is not responding, will not join the probate application or refuses to sign. The starting point depends on whether a Grant has issued.
Structured Support for Stalled Probate Administrations
Find what is blocking the estate. Get clear advice on the next step.
An executor will not act, a property sale has stalled or an estate dispute is holding things up. Human Law helps you identify the blockage and assess the next step out of court.
Includes: Up to 20 selected pages reviewed · 30-minute consultation with Justin · Two-page written Action Plan.
Send a brief outline. We check suitability and conflicts, then confirm the engagement and payment arrangements. An enquiry does not commit you to payment.
What clients say about Human Law
“Justin has a calm professional manner, we would highly recommend him.”
Read client reviews on ReviewSolicitors (opens in a new tab)
Books & Practical Frameworks
Published guidance on estate disputes, elderly law and financial abuse.
Featured publication
The Out-of-Court Executor
A practical handbook for executors facing family disputes, stalled estates and difficult decisions. Justin Patten introduces his Six Pillars framework for understanding the dispute and deciding what to do next.
Explore the book →Read the video transcript
Being an executor is a responsibility, but when disagreements arise, it can quickly become stressful, expensive and deeply personal.
I'm Justin Patten, solicitor and mediator of more than 20 years’ experience, and I'm author of the book The Out-of-Court Executor. It's a practical handbook for executors facing family disputes, stalled estates and difficult decisions.
At its heart is my Six Pillars framework, a structured approach to understanding the dispute and deciding what to do next. Some cases need court intervention, but there's often useful work you can do before that point.
If you're an executor facing conflict, delay or uncertainty, you don't have to navigate it alone or wait until the dispute is in a courtroom. The book gives you practical guidance and structured approach you need to take control, protect yourself and move the estate towards resolution.
Which Situation Sounds Familiar?
Read the co-executor guide →
A property cannot be sold
Executors disagree about the price, an offer or the documents needed to complete a sale. Identify the precise decision and the cost of delay.
A beneficiary wants estate accounts
A beneficiary has requested accounts or questioned an expense. Clarify the request, the stage of administration and what information has already been provided.
A caveat is blocking the Grant
A caveat may prevent a Grant from issuing. Establish why it was entered and whether a warning or other correspondence requires a prompt response.
The seven-route Problem Finder also covers blocked distributions, disputed lifetime transactions and challenges to the executor. It includes a property carrying-cost calculator and a resolution preparation check.
Need Advice on Your Particular Estate?
Individual solicitor review · £400 + VAT
Stage 01: Factual Audit & Action Plan
If the issues overlap or you need advice on your documents, Stage 01 identifies the principal blockage and assesses the appropriate next step.
- A 30-minute solicitor consultation.
- Review of up to 20 selected core pages.
- A concise two-page Action Plan.
- Consideration of identifiable holding costs and proportionate next steps.
The £400 + VAT fee is credited once against the first qualifying Human Law execution stage instructed by the same client for the same matter within 14 days. See the qualifying stages and conditions.
Not sure whether your matter is within our scope? Use the free Deadlock Scan.
Defined Support, One Stage at a Time
Where further work is appropriate, its scope and fixed fee are agreed before it begins. Human Law provides advice and defined non-court support; it does not conduct litigation, act on the court record, accept formal court service or undertake routine probate administration or conveyancing.
Explore caveat support, executor and estate deadlock support, or the practice boundaries. If proceedings become necessary, an appropriate litigation practitioner may be needed.
Professional adviser? Visit professional practice support for the appropriate file-review route while your practice retains the core administration.