CFA advice - risk

[Axlcat]

I’m hoping someone can help. I’m about to sign a CFA to challenge an inheritance. Can anyone advise me of any risks that I may not be aware of please? I’ve been told I won’t be liable for any cost unless successful (apart from disbursements along the way) but when I’ve looked at the contact it seems to say if I lose I could be liable for the other parties costs? This could potentially be tens of thousands so I’m pretty anxious!

That's fairly standard - sounds like you have a no win, no fee solicitor yourself but the losing party is generally responsible for the other side's costs. Why should they be out of pocket if they win? Your lawyer should really have explained this to you. Unless you have a watertight case and/or the amounts at stake are very big, it's a risky move.

A CFA is just a fee agreement between you and your solicitor, it can’t protect you from a court awarding costs against you.

Yes it’s no win no fee. But I had (perhaps) naively thought if I don’t win the insurance taken out by the solicitor would cover the other sides costs. It’s potentially a large amount of money but could equally be huge costs if I lose!