As families become more complex, the transfer of wealth between generations can give rise to disputes, which can be challenging and distressing for those involved.
We help families, settlors, trustees, beneficiaries, other lawyers and intermediaries involved in substantial trust and estate disputes, often with an international element.
Described as a 'perfectly formed team' in Legal 500 (2018), we are private client lawyers who specialise in litigation, rather than litigators with some experience in private client work. Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the nuances of family-based litigation.
Whether you are defending your actions or bringing a claim, we can help you and will work together to achieve the very best outcome for you.
While fully equipped to provide robust representation in court, we are experienced in various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and prioritise reaching a settlement away from the risk and publicity of litigation where possible.
We often advise on a wide range of trust disputes, for example, where the trustees fail to distribute trust property correctly or do not have trust accounts prepared as well as applications to court where the trustees need to obtain approval for steps they want to take.
We can help you with bringing and defending challenges to the validity of a will, for example, where it is alleged that the deceased did not have capacity at the time of making their will, or did not understand or approve the content of the will or if the will was a forgery.
We are experts in Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims where the terms of the deceased's will or the rules of intestacy fail to make reasonable financial provision for an individual, for example a surviving spouse, civil partner, or child.
We are well equipped to assist with the removal of executors or trustees, dealing with disagreements because the will or trust documentation is unclear, and acting as a court appointed independent personal representative in disputed estates where a neutral administrator is required.
We understand that your concerns are often emotional as much as they are legal or financial. It is a crucial part of our role to help you make decisions based on a clear understanding of the risks and potential outcomes.
Providing advice to administrators of the estate of a deceased following what appeared to have been the creation of complex sham trust arrangements.
Successfully defending a trustee of a significant family trust against allegations of breach of trust.
Acting as independent trustees solving complex issues of corporate and trust governance and directorial responsibility for a longstanding contentious trust dispute.
Regularly acting for clients who are either bringing or defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Advising the beneficiary of an estate as a consequence of the deceased's children alleging their late father's last will was invalid.
Representing a wife where her husband had created complex trust structures during the marriage.
Advising ultra-high-net-worth clients on a claim brought against them for recovery of a significant debt allegedly owed by them.
Our Team
Working closely with you, we'll find the best way to get you quickly and easily from where you are to where you want to be.
