Inheritance act claims

[JoanneJolly]

Hi , My partner died 4 years ago we werent married (engaged he died before we could get married) we had 2 small children aged 2 and 3 the 3 year old is disabled. He had adult children from a previous marriage and they found an old will which was 20 years old and obviously didn't include me and the 2 small children. We were advised to take a claim under the inheritance act because we had very strong claims as dependents. 4 years later we still battling a very nasty dispute which is resulting in massive legal costs which potentially could swallow the entirety of the estate and leave me and my children homeless. They are currently 7 !!! legal teams involved as the other side stated i was a conflict of interest with my children and pushed for separate legal teams for them. I cannot even believe this is legal and possible as i have no control over the future needs of my children and its left for solicitors who havent even met my kids to decide their fate but whatever that is i have to deal with it whether i like it or not ?? how is this even legal ? our needs dont conflict we are a family and intend to live as a family when this is over. Some statements that have been made treat my children like adults as if they are going to move into a house on their own after this is over ? The legal bills are stumbling out of control and potentially all that will be got after this is solicitors made rich. I dont know where to turn to or who to seek advise from as the solicitors say this is how it goes but surely it cant be legal to abuse the law in this way. need help and advise as i am so worried*