Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Inheritance Disputes

Partner

John advises individuals and charities in wills, trusts and inheritance disputes.

John has particular expertise in dealing with cases in the High Court, County Court and Court of Protection involving:

– the validity and interpretation of wills and trusts; – Inheritance Act claims, in which he has acted for surviving spouses, cohabiting partners, children and persons maintained by a deceased person, but who have subsequently been left little, or nothing, under an estate. -actions for and against Executors and Trustees in relation to the management of trusts and estates. – determination of ownership under a trust of land and property – disputes over Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyships, Statutory Wills and the setting aside of lifetime gifts.

John draws upon his background as a non-contentious private client solicitor when dealing, for example, with the construction and effect of Wills and Trusts, and also when structuring tax-efficient settlements on behalf of clients.

Whilst firm in his approach, John is an advocate for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution, to seek a resolution of disputes in a sensible and proportionate manner.

John is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and an active member of Contentious Trust Association (CONTRA), ThoughtLeaders 4 Private Client and STEP:Contentious Trusts and Estates Global Special Interest Group.