Spouses (including domestic partners and those of the same sex), ex spouses, children, grandchildren and in certain circumstances parents, siblings and step-children may have a claim against the estate on the basis they have not been adequately provided for and are in need.

A claim must be commenced within six (6) months from the date of the grant of Probate.

The likelihood of success of any claim depends on the individual circumstances of the claimant and other persons with an interest in the estate.
An executor must act impartially towards all beneficiaries and any distribution made in advance of the 6 month time frame without protection/indemnities in place, could leave the executor personally open to financial claims in the future.