Our expertise includes:
Probate Disputes
We advise on disputes arising during the probate process, including challenges relating to the administration of an estate, delays or errors in obtaining probate, and disagreements concerning entitlement under a will or intestacy. We support clients in resolving issues at an early stage wherever possible to minimise costs and preserve estate value.
Estate Conflicts
Estate conflicts often arise between family members, beneficiaries, executors, or trustees following a death. We assist in resolving disputes involving competing claims, allegations of mismanagement, or breakdowns in trust between parties, with a strong focus on negotiated and mediated outcomes where appropriate.
Will Disputes
We act for clients bringing or defending challenges to the validity of a will, including claims based on:
- Lack of Testamentary Capacity – Challenges based on whether the deceased had the mental capacity to make a valid will.Â
- Undue Influence – Claims that the deceased was pressured or coerced into making the will.Â
- Lack of Knowledge and Approval – Allegations that the deceased did not understand or approve the will’s contents.Â
- Improper Execution – Disputes arising from failures to comply with legal signing and witnessing requirements.Â
- Forgery or Fraud – Claims that the will or signature is forged or obtained through dishonest means.
Our team has extensive experience in handling sensitive and high-stakes will disputes, including those involving complex family dynamics and international elements.
Inheritance Act Claims
We advise on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, acting for both claimants and estates. These claims arise where a will or intestacy fails to make reasonable financial provision for eligible individuals, such as spouses, former spouses, children, dependants, or cohabitees.
We provide strategic advice on prospects, funding, negotiation, and litigation, with a focus on achieving fair and timely outcomes.
Trust Disputes
Our firm advises beneficiaries, trustees, and settlors on disputes involving trusts, including allegations of breach of trust, trustee misconduct, disputes over trust interpretation, removal or appointment of trustees, and challenges relating to trust administration.
We also assist with disputes involving offshore and complex trust structures.
Challenging Lifetime Gifts
We advise on claims seeking to challenge lifetime gifts made by a deceased person, including gifts made shortly before death or in circumstances raising concerns about mental capacity, undue influence, or fraud. These claims often arise alongside will disputes and can form a critical part of estate litigation.
Court of Protection Disputes
We act in Court of Protection matters where disputes arise in relation to:
- Mental capacity
- Deputyship appointments
- Decisions made on behalf of vulnerable individuals
- Challenges to gifts or financial decisions made during a person’s lifetime
Our approach balances robust legal representation with sensitivity to the personal circumstances involved.
Executor Disputes
We advise both executors and beneficiaries in disputes concerning the conduct of executors, including allegations of delay, failure to administer the estate properly, conflicts of interest, or misappropriation of assets. We also act in applications for the removal or substitution of executors where necessary.
Intestacy
Where a person dies without leaving a valid will, disputes can arise regarding entitlement under the intestacy rules. We advise on claims arising from intestacy, including competing beneficiary claims, interpretation of statutory entitlements, and related Inheritance Act claims.
Our Approach
We aim to resolve contentious probate disputes in a cost-effective and proportionate manner, carefully assessing each case to determine whether negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings are most appropriate. Where litigation is unavoidable, we provide strong, strategic representation throughout the process.