James Wallace > Aaron & Partners LLP > Chester, England > Lawyer Profile

Aaron & Partners LLP Offices

Aaron & Partners LLP
5-7 GROSVENOR COURT
FOREGATE STREET
CHESTER
CH1 1HG
England
Visit website 01244 405555

James Wallace

James Wallace photo
01244 405588 james.wallace@aaronandpartners.com View profile

Work Department

Wills, Trusts and Tax Law

Position

Contested Wills, Trusts & Estates Partner

Career

James specialises in the resolution of disputes involving Wills, Trusts and Estates. He has particular expertise in dealing with challenges to wills, often on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence or fraud. He also represents individuals and estates in respect of claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.

James also specialises in the resolution of trust disputes, both between trustees themselves and with beneficiaries. This includes advising executors and trustees of estates where a dispute has arisen in the course of an estate administration and beneficiaries of estates who might be unsatisfied with the conduct of the executors and trustees.

James uses a creative and collaborative approach to finding common ground between parties involved in estate disputes and where possible seeks to find a satisfactory resolution without having to involve the courts. Where the involvement of the court is required, he advises clients as to the most appropriate method of achieving their objective as quickly and as cost effectively as possible. He has a network of highly specialist mediators and barristers practising in this area and is able to draw on their additional expertise as and when required. With his in depth knowledge of tax law, James is also able to structure settlements in a tax efficient manner for the benefit of all parties involved.

James also advises high net worth individuals with regards to tax and estate planning, wills and powers of attorney.

Memberships

James is a member of ACTAPS (The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists).

Education

James is a fully qualified member of STEP (Society of Estate & Trust Practitioners).

Lawyer Rankings

North West > Private client > Contentious trusts and probate

A strong twelve months has seen Aaron & Partners LLP bolster its contentious trusts and probate offering with the arrival of several solicitors from market competitors. Whilst possessing numerous offices in the region, the firm’s Chester offering allows the team to be well-placed to act on complex and high-value agricultural estate disputes, boasting a diverse range of clients spanning the local area, Shropshire and North Wales. Steered by the ‘wonderful’ James Wallace, who is highly regarded for his proficiency handling claims with an international element, as well as Court of Protection work, the team excels in Inheritance Act disputes, propriety estoppel claims, and cases involving capital gains and inheritance tax aspects. Vlad Macdonald-Munteanu has ‘developed a thriving contentious practice’, with a litany of Wales-based clients seeking his counsel on Inheritance Act and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act proceedings. Rebecca Beaman has been increasingly active in matters since joining from Hatchers Solicitors LLP in 2022.

North West > Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate

Aaron & Partners LLP‘s offering in Cheshire makes the team uniquely placed to advise agricultural and rural clients on estate planning, succession and tax issues, as well as possessing a broader practice that encompasses the North-West and caters for high-net worth businesspeople and families. The department also has notable expertise administering foreign assets, handling Court of Protection cases, and establishing charitable foundations. The ‘absolutely professional‘ team head Clive Pointon presides over these types of matters, in addition to advising on inheritance tax exposure and mitigation. James Wallace is an expert regarding the transfer of assets and navigating capital gains tax implications, while Rowena Ridgway‘s caseload includes estate and will planning as well as Court of Protection and deputyship matters. Paul Caslin provides ‘clear and concise advice’ to Trustees concerned with estate and trusts issues, and also acts as trusted counsel to mentally and physically handicapped individuals.

Lawyer Rankings

Top Tier Firm Rankings

Firm Rankings