Most estate disputes begin with a practical trigger: a relative records land in their own name, a bank refuses to release a deposit, a will appears that the heirs had not seen, or an executor stops answering questions. Early advice matters because evidence disappears, assets can be sold and limitation periods run. A short review of the documents, the family tree and the asset list usually shows whether the issue can be resolved by correspondence, needs a protective step such as an objection or injunction, or requires proceedings. We then set out the options, likely costs and timing in writing.

Not entirely. Under Muslim personal law as applied in Bangladesh, a person can generally bequeath up to one third of the net estate after funeral costs and debts. A bequest above that limit, or a bequest to someone who is already an heir, usually takes effect only with the consent of the other heirs. The rest of the estate passes to the heirs in fixed shares. Many estate disputes arise because families assume a will can override these rules, or because lifetime gifts are used to achieve a similar effect. We check both the will and any earlier transfers together.

Probate is a court grant confirming a will and the executor's authority. Letters of administration authorise an administrator to manage an estate where there is no executor, or in some cases no will. A succession certificate, issued by a civil court, allows the holder to collect debts and securities such as bank deposits and shares. Banks and companies often ask for one of these before releasing assets. Each can be contested, and each application gives interested parties an opportunity to object, which is where many estate disputes first become formal. We advise on which grant is needed.

A trustee or executor is generally obliged to keep accounts and to give beneficiaries reasonable information about the administration. The first step is usually a written request identifying the documents needed, such as bank statements, sale deeds and company records. If that fails, the court can order accounts and disclosure and, in serious cases, restrain further dealings or replace the fiduciary. In estate disputes, a clear written request that was ignored often strengthens a later application for relief from the court. Where assets are being moved, interim protection may be sought at once.

Yes, in most cases. Heirs living in the UK, the Middle East or North America can appoint a representative through a power of attorney executed abroad, authenticated by a Bangladesh mission and then validated in Bangladesh before use. We can negotiate, file proceedings and attend hearings on that basis, and some evidence can be given by affidavit. Careful drafting of the power is important, because loosely drafted powers of attorney are themselves a frequent source of estate disputes between relatives at home and abroad. We also keep absent heirs informed at each stage.

A co-heir can generally transfer only their own share. Where a sale purports to convey more, the other heirs may seek a declaration that the deed does not bind their shares, a partition, an injunction against further dealings and, in some cases, cancellation of the deed. The buyer's position, possession and the time that has passed all affect the strategy. We review the record-of-rights, mutation history and chain of title before advising, because the strength of the claim often turns on those records. Acting quickly also limits the risk of further sales.

Many are. Family members usually have continuing relationships, shared property and a common interest in avoiding years of litigation. Mediation allows the parties to agree a division, a buy-out or a management arrangement for jointly held assets, and the agreement can be recorded in registered deeds or a court decree. The Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act 2026 is introducing mandatory pre-case mediation for certain disputes, district by district, so mediation of estate disputes may be required in any event. We prepare clients for mediation as carefully as for trial. Any agreement should then be registered or decreed promptly.

Limitation periods under the Limitation Act 1908 vary with the type of claim, such as a suit for possession, for a declaration, for accounts or to set aside a deed, and time usually runs from a particular event rather than from the date of death. Claims against fiduciaries may be treated differently where fraud or concealment is involved. Because these rules are technical and missed deadlines are hard to cure, we treat limitation as the first question in all estate disputes and identify the safest date for action. A short limitation review costs little compared with a time-barred claim.