Dispute resolution

Trusts and estates disputes

Disputes over wills, trusts and estates can be deeply personal and legally complex, especially when significant assets, international elements or strained family relationships are involved.

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Our trusts and estates dispute solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling complex and contentious probate, trust, and estate disputes across the UK and internationally. 

As families become increasingly global and complex, disagreements around inheritance, wills and trusts are becoming increasingly common. It's crucial for those involved to be represented by a team of highly experienced trusts and estates dispute lawyers with extensive expertise in private wealth litigation, both domestically and in cross-border contexts.

Our cases often involve high-value estates with offshore assets, international trusts, and cross-border elements. Our deep understanding of global trust structures, international succession laws, and offshore jurisdictions allows us to work closely with lawyers in other jurisdictions to offer tailored legal advice that meets the unique needs of our international clients.

We offer more than just legal advice, we provide clear strategy and robust representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Our clients benefit from the strength of our integrated wealth and succession team, which collaborates closely with our litigation lawyers to consider every legal, tax and practical angle. 

Whether you're facing a dispute over a family trust, navigating inheritance concerns, or managing conflict between beneficiaries, we provide pragmatic and compassionate advice at every stage. 

We provide comprehensive legal representation for families, settlors, trustees, beneficiaries, legal professionals, and intermediaries involved in a broad range of trust and estate disputes, including:

- Inheritance disputes:

  • Disputes over the validity of wills
  • Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 
  • Various applications by personal representatives in the process of administration of estates
  • Claims against personal representatives (including claims for removal of personal representatives
  • Claims for rectification and construction of wills

- Trust disputes:

  • Applications for the court's approval of trustee decisions
  • Breach of trust claims
  • Applications for the removal and replacement of trustees

- Disputes relating to vulnerable people:

  • Claims against attorneys and deputies
  • Deputyship applications
  • Gift permission applications
  • Statutory will applications

- Independent administrator and trustee appointments 

Expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

While we are fully equipped to represent clients in court, we prioritise achieving successful outcomes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration, whenever appropriate. This allows us to resolve disputes swiftly and privately, helping clients avoid the risks and publicity of prolonged litigation.

Recognised Leaders in Trust and Estate Disputes

We're proud to be recognised by leading legal directories for our expertise in resolving complex, high-value disputes with professionalism and discretion.

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