Disputes & Contentious Probate

Arguments between relatives and family members over a person’s will can be painful and deeply divisive. We follow the guidance and code of conduct set by the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

Areas in which our contentious trust and probate team have particular experience and expertise include arguments over a person’s entitlement to be a beneficiary under a will, where there are questions over the deceased’s testamentary capacity or where undue influence may have been exercised over them, as well as where there are questions as to the construction, interpretation or validity of a will (including advising in respect of ‘Mutual Wills’ claims).

We also act in claims over the administration of an estate, including where necessary making applications to the Court to pass over or remove Executors and deal with disputes relating to a Power of Attorney.

We are regularly instructed to act for members of the family or dependants of someone who has died where either no or inadequate provision was made for them, which can result in a claim being issued for a share of the deceased’s Estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We also handle issues concerning insolvent estates.

Our contentious trust and probate team also advises in situations where there has been negligent drafting of a will and has experience of pursuing claims against solicitors on behalf of disappointed beneficiaries.

To speak to one of our Contentious Trust and Probate specialists in confidence, please contact us.

Our Experts

Charlotte Hervey

Charlotte Hervey

Trainee Solicitor

Charlotte is a Trainee Solicitor in the firms Residential Property department. She graduated from the University of Bristol with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Criminology in 2022, then pursued a Master of Laws in…

Claire Brown

Claire Brown

Chartered Legal Executive

Claire is a Chartered Legal Executive in the firm’s Residential Property Department. Claire specialises in residential conveyancing, dealing with all aspects of Freehold and Leasehold property sales and purchases, remortgages and transfer of equity. Claire…

Karl Smith

Karl Smith

Partner

Karl is a Partner in the Residential Property Department. He is also COLP (Compliance officer for legal practice) and the Head of Client Service and is responsible for monitoring service levels across the firm and

Sarah Rowden

Sarah Rowden

Partner

Sarah is a Partner and Head of our Residential Property department Residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, re-mortgages, transfers of equity and lease extensions. Sarah studied at the University of Bristol where…

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