Leading Individuals

Contentious trusts and probate in North

Sintons LLP

Sintons LLP‘s contentious trusts and probates groups offers ‘a high-quality, regional alternative to the big national firms, with more of a boutique approach.’ Led by ‘brilliantEmma Saunders who is ‘an exceptionally good litigator’ with ‘a disarming, authentic style underpinned by excellent tactical awareness and knowledge’, the team is frequently called upon to handle a range of contentious work, from will disputes and proprietary estoppel claims to domicile disputes and relief from forfeiture applications. The group includes associate Jonathan Grogan and ‘goes the extra mile to meet clients’ requirements.’ Associate Emelie Rowellis a rising star who punches above her weight.’ 

Practice head(s):

Emma Saunders


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Grogan; Emelie Rowell


Testimonials

‘This practice is consistently responsive and prompt with our queries and correspondence. This is very important to us as our case is stressful and lengthy. The case tremendously impacted our whole family, particularly my mum. We are impressed that utmost care was taken to listen to her and her well-being.’

‘We work with Emma Saunders and unreservedly recommend her professional qualities and client commitment. Her strength is her listening skills. Emma’s collaborative working style ensures we understand the legal terms, procedures and options for facilitating decision-making and gives us ownership of a sense of direction. She provides realistic advice, and we are glad she is our solicitor.’

‘Emma Saunders is my first point of contact at Sintons. Emma is a partner and I am extremely impressed with her knowledge and skill set and professional approach to my individual circumstances. Unlike some other firms that I have utilised, Emma promptly return calls and has the ” Can do ” attitude with regards to getting the job done ! I am also impressed with Emelie Rowell. assisted Emma in collating confidential information and statements from family members and I fully appreciate her valued assistance too.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a client in complex cross-border dispute, resolved at mediation, involving novel point of law regarding the devolution of Spanish property and the interplay between English mutual wills and a Spanish will.
  • Representing a claimant in a multi-faceted will dispute concerning a multi-million pound estate including allegations of fraud and forgery along with claims of knowing receipt and dishonest assistance.
  • Representing a claimant in a multi-million pound estate following the death of their spouse at an assisted suicide clinic abroad.

Burnetts

James Johnston heads up Burnetts Carlisle-based team providing ‘excellent service’ in contentious trusts and probate matters, including more niche matters such as the recovery of digital assets or high value agricultural claims. Building on the group’s core contentious trust and probate offering, the team has seen an increase in instructions in financial abuse claims as well as contentious court of protection work. While senior associate Johnny Coulthard takes a leading role in many of the firm’s matters, associate Grace Wren who was promoted in September 2022, has developed a particular specialism in claims brought under TOLATA 1996, taking the lead in such matters.

Practice head(s):

James Johnston


Other key lawyers:

Johnny Coulthard; Grace Wren


Testimonials

‘In my case this is the only practice I could find within a 50 mile radius that would help me in our contentious family property issue. Burnetts listened fully to my case and made me feel valued, supported and for the first time I felt that I could get a successful conclusion.’

‘Our case solicitor was Mr Johnny Coulthard from the outset he was thorough, methodical and sympathetic to our specific requirements which led to a successful outcome.’

‘Johnny Coulthard, has been an excellent solicitor when helping with a dispute. He is available every day if I contact him to talk to him.’

Hay & Kilner

Hay & Kilner’s Newcastle-based contentious trusts and probate team is led by experienced litigator Lucy Gray who is frequently relied upon in Inheritance Act, proprietary estoppel and validity disputes. The team’s offering was strengthened with the arrival of senior associate Guy Barr bringing in his significant experience in more unusual aspects of contentious trusts and probate claims, including claims involving murder or manslaughter, forfeiture and burial disputes. The group is also known for handling highly complex, often agricultural disputes.

Practice head(s):

Lucy Gray


Other key lawyers:

Guy Barr


Testimonials

‘The team and Hay & Kilner led by Lucy Gray is definitely one of the top teams in the country in this area.’

‘Lucy Gray – empathetic, but also firm. Very experienced litigator with a sensible approach to settlement but not afraid to fight when necessary.’

Work highlights


  • Advising clients in relation to conditional gifts provided by their father’s will and potential application for directions under CPR64.
  • Advising client in relation to sister’s estate and challenge intimated by deceased’s two children, alleging the deceased lacked capacity and/or was in a delusional state.
  • Advising client in relation to trustee duties and entitlements of beneficiaries to settlements made by him and his ex-wife prior to their divorce.

Ward Hadaway LLP

Ward Hadaway LLP‘s Newcastle-based contentious trusts and probates team is jointly led by high-value claims specialist Martin Woodford, and charity trust litigation expert Gaynor Jackson. While Woodford operates at the intersection of professional negligence and contentious trusts, Jackson advises on the early stages of both contested legacies and claims under the 1975 Act. Solicitor Kerry McFarlane has a particular focus on disputes with a farming and agricultural backdrop, and managing associate Ashleigh Lavender has extensive experience acting on behalf of private individuals, families, charities and trustees in a variety of contested probate disputes.

Practice head(s):

Martin Woodford; Gaynor Jackson


Other key lawyers:

Ashleigh Lavender; Kerry McFarlane


Testimonials

‘This is a fantastic team which deals with very high quality work in this area in the North of England, they really know their stuff.’

‘Martin Woodford is a meticulous partner who pays great attention to detail. Ashleigh Lavender is a quality associate who is destined to be partner one day.

‘Gaynor Jackson is one of the most experienced advisers I use. I trust her views wholly. Gaynor is always happy to give initial and sound advice, enabling my clients to make informed decisions. Gaynor is both knowledgeable and personable. She always has time for a chat if matters aren’t clear. Gaynor is quick to respond and generous with her advice.’

‘Ward Hadaway provided free advice prior to me engaging their services, despite me being an overseas client. They were transparent with cost’s prior to commencing any works and were clear about what I should expect through the process.’

‘Martin Woodford (Senior Partner) took over the Contentious Probate case when my long-time family solicitor at another firm retired. His instructions were to prepare for Mediation. He demonstrated strong grasp of the area of law and subject matter. Legal product delivered for Mediation was excellent. Likewise his support before and during Mediation was excellent. Specifically Martin was proactive by meeting with me at my home as I was a carer for an elderly relative.’

‘We have used the firm of Ward Hadaway in the areas of contentious trusts and probate for a number of years. The firm’s overall level of service is outstanding and very competitively priced. They offer charity rates and we receive excellent value for money. Gaynor Jackson tends to be our ‘lead’ contact at Ward Hadaway and has a strong team who work with her. Taking all matters into consideration, we feel that the service we receive, the depth of knowledge Gaynor and the team have and the fees they charge would be difficult to beat. When we are instructing solicitors on UK probate matters, Gaynor Jackson at Ward Hadaway is invariably at the top of our list!’

‘Gaynor’s knowledge in all areas of contentious probate, estate administration and taxation is outstanding and we are confident that we receive the best and most appropriate advice from her and from the team who support her. Gaynor is an excellent communicator, intuitive and incredibly ‘user friendly’. She thinks ‘out of the box’ and gets results by being thorough in her research and determined yet fair in her approach to resolving difficult issues. She is also skilled in being able to explain even the most complicated points of tax law to her clients in layman’s terms!’

Work highlights


  • Acting for a number of disappointed beneficiaries in respect of the Deceased’s Estate.
  • Acting for a HNWI in a disputed application to appoint a property and financial affairs deputy for the client’s mother.
  • Acting for the litigation friend/father of minors in relation to the minors’ claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for reasonable provision from their late mother’s estate.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP offers a team of private client experts offering support in a wide range of contentious trusts and estates disputes, ranging from will validity disputes and Inheritance Act claims, to disputes involving proprietary estoppel allegations. The national team is led by London-based Neil Long who advises individuals, families, charities and trustees regionally, nationally and internationally. Richard Pike is highly specialised and experienced in all trusts and inheritance disputes. Newcastle-based associates Harry Harper and Joe Kelley strengthen the team’s offering which is adept in handling matters from negotiation and mediation stages to all levels of the court system, including the Court of Protection.

Practice head(s):

Neil Long


Other key lawyers:

Harry Harper; Joe Kelley


Testimonials

My experience of WBD has been solely through Joe Kelley. He has instructed me on various contentious probate matters in the past. Joe is an outstanding litigation solicitor.’

Joe Kelley is great both at the detail and the big picture.

Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of the trustees of a substantial international charity in an application to the High Court to rectify the terms of the Foundation’s governing trust.
  • Instructed to bring a High Court application to set aside nine loans entered into by the HNWI’s children on the grounds of equitable mistake.

EMG Solicitors

Following Ursula Collie’s retirement in July 2022, senior associate Matthew Sigsworth continues to lead Durham-based EMG Solicitors’ private client contentious trusts and probate offering working alongside experienced litigation solicitor Joanne Blackwood who joined in July 2022 from Southern Stewart & Walker. The team is well placed to handle more disputes over wills, including capacity and undue influence matters, Inheritance Act claims, as well as applications to challenge or remove executors and complex trust disputes.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Sigsworth


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Blackwood


Testimonials

‘EMG have a focus on achieving settlement of claims without the need for protracted court proceedings – combining legal knowledge with a practical approach.’

‘Matthew Sigsworth is very approachable and knowledgable.’