Inheritance Disputes, Contested Wills, and Trusts Disputes

A Legal 500 recommended team dealing with inheritance disputes nationwide. We offer a range of funding options, including No Win – No Fee and deferred fees. We also operate a dedicated HELPLINE which you can contact for a FREE case assessment.

Leading inheritance dispute experts

We are one of the few firms of solicitors in the country to have a large team of lawyers dedicated to dealing with inheritance disputes, contested wills and trusts disputes. Our team includes three partners and six associate solicitors, all of whom deal exclusively with inheritance and contentious probate cases. Between them they have many years experience and an excellent track record of success.

We deal with all aspects of contentious probate law, including claims under the Inheritance Act, contesting the validity of wills on grounds such as mental capacity, undue influence and fraud, and dealing with disputes with executors and beneficiaries. We are also highly experienced in dealing with disputes that involve assets abroad, as well as claims based on proprietary estoppel and TOLATA.

Don’t delay in seeking expert legal advice

It’s natural to be upset if you discover someone close to you has favoured another family member or friend in their will, or has failed to give you the financial protection you expected. Although it can be difficult at these times to think about the legal side of things it is important to speak to an expert lawyer as soon as possible.

Taking advice early on may ensure you do not lose the ability to challenge the distribution of the estate or the validity of the will itself. Strict time limits operate, especially in relation to Inheritance Act claims, where court proceedings must be brought within six months of probate. You could therefore lose out if you don’t act quickly.

We also assist beneficiaries, executors and charities in defending Inheritance Act claims and disputed Will challenges.

The benefits of mediation

Judges encourage parties to resolve inheritance claims and will disputes before they reach the courtroom. We are strong advocates of alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation. Not only is mediation cheaper and faster than court action, but it also provides a better chance of restoring family relationships.

Funding

We are often able to work on a No Win – No Fee basis and will be happy to review the suitability of any case free of charge. We can also work on a ‘deferred fees’ basis where payment of the legal costs is deferred until the estate has been administered.

Speak to an expert

For expert guidance on any area of contentious probate law contact a member of our specialist inheritance dispute team, which includes partners Naomi Ireson, Chris Holten and Hayley Bundey, as well as solicitors Anya Hoyland, David Lees, Sarah Coombs, Jack Dray, Bronte Pettifer, and Helen Clegg. All specialise exclusively in inheritance dispute claims and will be happy to have an informal chat with you about your case.

Read one of our articles

There are over 100 articles on this website, dealing with every aspect of inheritance law imaginable. They are a treasury of helpful information and can be accessed free of charge. Simply type a topic into the search bar at the top of this page to find an article that’s relevant to your case.

The Legal 500

“The strengths of the team is their ability to be thoroughly knowledgeable, stand for no nonsense, and do their absolute best for their client.” The Legal 500, 2024 edition.

Areas of Specialism:

We are hugely experienced in dealing with cases where the validity of a will is disputed. We are proud of our track record of success which includes claims involving mental incapacity, undue influence and fraud.
Our team have achieved great success in bringing and defending Inheritance Act claims, many involving multi-million pound estates.
Disputes between executors or trustees are common. When matters reach crisis point and legal intervention is required then our specialist team is on hand to offer expert guidance.
If you need help with a caveat, warning or appearance then our highly experienced lawyers will be able to give you the guidance you need.
Have you lost out as a result of someone going back on their word? Have you been made a financial promise that hasn’t been honoured? Has a loved one been persuaded to transfer their interest in a property to somebody else? Our specialist team are experienced in dealing with this complex area of law.
We have a proven track record in both bringing and defending Inheritance Act and beneficial interest claims, on behalf of the LGBT community. Speak to specialist solicitor Chris Holten about how we can help you.
We represent beneficiaries and executors who are facing a contested probate claim from a third party and wish to defend the case.

Work with our team:

Naomi Ireson
Partner
Naomi’s areas of practice include legacy disputes, Inheritance Act claims, challenges to the validity of wills, and beneficial interest claims involving estoppel, constructive trusts and TOLATA.
Hayley Bundey
Partner
Hayley Bundey is a partner specialising in inheritance and trusts disputes. She has extensive experience in claims under the Inheritance Act 1975, challenges to the validity of wills, trust & executor disputes and beneficial interest claims.
David Lees
Solicitor
David Lees, draws on his forensic skills as a former police detective in dealing with inheritance disputes.
Sarah Coombs
Solicitor
Sarah Coombs is an experienced litigation solicitor in Slee Blackwell’s contentious probate team, specialising in contested Wills and inheritance disputes.
Naomi Ireson
Partner
Naomi’s areas of practice include legacy disputes, Inheritance Act claims, challenges to the validity of wills, and beneficial interest claims involving estoppel, constructive trusts and TOLATA.
Hayley Bundey
Partner
Hayley Bundey is a partner specialising in inheritance and trusts disputes. She has extensive experience in claims under the Inheritance Act 1975, challenges to the validity of wills, trust & executor disputes and beneficial interest claims.
David Lees
Solicitor
David Lees, draws on his forensic skills as a former police detective in dealing with inheritance disputes.
Sarah Coombs
Solicitor
Sarah Coombs is an experienced litigation solicitor in Slee Blackwell’s contentious probate team, specialising in contested Wills and inheritance disputes.