The trust, estates, and inheritance disputes team at Withers LLP handles complex international trust and succession matters, as well as related disputes. Department lead Stephen Richards advises on disputes involving trusts, succession, and capacity, including cases of financial abuse. Paul Hewitt represents clients in complex wills, trusts and capacity disputes, often involving vulnerable individuals and cross-border issues. Steven Kempster acts for major trust companies in complex cross-border cases involving challenges to trust structures and alleged large-scale fraud across multiple jurisdictions, while Natasha Stourton has been key in both onshore and offshore trust and succession disputes. Sarah Aughwane is routinely involved in high-value settlements, Dawn Goodman is knowledgeable in trust litigation, and Deborah Nicholls-Carr assists clients with Court of Protection disputes. Olivia Turner, Alexandra Dix, Rosalind Russell, and Richard Walker are also key contacts in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Paul Hewitt and his associate Rebecca Edwards were outstanding throughout. Paul’s experience in this specialist area was immediately apparent. He combined deep technical knowledge with excellent strategic judgment and was able to identify the important issues and guide us through a very difficult process with confidence and clarity. Rebecca provided excellent support throughout the matter. She was highly capable, responsive, and clear in her communication, helping us understand both the legal position and the practical implications at each stage. What we particularly valued was that they understood the human side of contentious probate. These are not simply legal disputes; they involve families, grief, and complex emotions. Paul and Rebecca were able to combine empathy and sensitivity with firm, effective negotiation and first-class legal advice. If you find yourself having to defend a claim of this nature, you could not ask for a stronger team.
- Withers is at the top of the tree in trusts litigation. They have unsurpassed experience and really fight for their clients.
- Natasha Stourton is very impressive. She is unflappable in difficult situations. She is prepared to roll up her sleeves and produce excellent work product in a short time frame. She is always a pleasure to deal with. I have also been extremely impressed with Rosalind Russell. Rosalind is a superb associate who manages heavy litigation brilliantly. She spots great points and has excellent analytical skills. She brings a steely determination to her work, combined with a dry sense of humor.
- Withers has the expertise and capacity to handle the most complex and heavyweight international trusts disputes. I have been impressed by the resources that it has brought to bear efficiently in dealing with document-heavy litigation, while at the same time navigating difficult strategic decisions.
- The team is exceptional at humanizing difficult situations. Contentious trusts often involve tensions among family members; however, the team approaches matters with a listening and compassionate ear, which allows for resolution prior to matters escalating to litigation. If it does progress, then they can translate complex matters into understandable explanations.
- The team at Withers boasts a rich pool of top talent.
Key clients
- Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja (now deceased) and family
- Trident Trust Company (Singapore) Pte Ltd
- Trust for Research and Education on the Arms Trade
- The Brooke, Born Free, and World Animal Protection
- Alphen Trust Company Ltd
Work highlights
Advised a client on the first-ever trust decision of the Abu Dhabi GM Court on applications for the appointment of a litigation friend for minor beneficiaries of a high-value trust, together with confidentiality and privacy orders, and on subsequent applications for substantive relief and directions regarding the trust.
Advised an individual and three of his siblings on complex proceedings arising from his brother SP's financial vulnerability, social isolation, and loss of capacity.
Advised an executor and a beneficiary of the estate of his mother-in-law in a will validity dispute with overlapping family law issues.
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Practice head
Stephen Richards
Other key lawyers
Paul Hewitt; Steven Kempster; Natasha Stourton; Sarah Aughwane; Dawn Goodman; Deborah Nicholls-Carr; Olivia Turner; Alexandra Dix; Rosalind Russell; Richard Walker