Ashfords LLP‘s multidisciplinary private wealth team is highly capable of handling the full range of will and trust disputes, representing high-net-worth individuals, as well as charities in 1975 Act claims, proprietary estoppel disputes, and disputes between trustees and beneficiaries, among others. The team is jointly led by Robert Horsey, an experienced trust and property litigation expert, Kerry Morgan-Gould, who is noted for her expertise in contentious charity and estate matters, and Michael Alden, who heads up the firm’s broader private wealth offering. Katie Webber extends the team’s expertise to encompass contested Court of Protection applications and capacity assessments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'They have real expertise and experience in this area of law. They take a highly pragmatic approach, focusing on achieving excellent results for their clients. There is strength and depth across the team, with a number of strong practitioners at every level.’
‘Whenever I've sought to address a query or introduce a potential client, I have consistently found a senior member of the team available to offer invaluable practical legal insights. Their guidance not only sheds light on the matter at hand but also provides clear recommendations on the most effective course of action.’
‘Hannah Brittain proves to be a significant asset to the team, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate through a myriad of complex legal issues.'
‘London service and office and "golden circle" knowledge and expertise but west country pricing. Great cross discipline referral and connections where required within the firm. Cross skills approach to problem solving and well integrated responses’
‘Kerry Morgan-Gould is an outstanding practice leader and is backed up by first rate associates.'
- 'All lawyers in the firm have an innate sense of where other skills are required both those within the firm and outside and their third party providers are well selected and well managedd throughout the process.’
‘Ashfords are the clear leaders in contentious probate work in the South West. They combine a strong client base, excellent team work ethic and good value for money to bring in work and compete with top London firms.’
‘An extremely knowledgeable team, with real strength in depth, handling high quality, technical and complex litigation matters. Their ability to work closely with their Private Client Team is also of great assistance, particularly when handling matters as Independent Professional Administrators, where there is ongoing litigation in relation to the Estate.’
‘I have worked closely with Robert Horsey and Kerry Morgan-Gould on several matters, and have always been impressed with their work.'
‘The Ashfords team has grown substantially over the last few years and they are now the biggest team that covers contentious probate in the South West, based primarily out of their Exeter office.'
Work highlights
Represented a client in a High Court claim for the removal of an Executor under s116 Senior Courts Act 1981 and/or section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985, and in subsequent proceedings.
Represented a client in a successful claim in proprietary estoppel, with additional claims going to appeal in respect of a will validity challenge and an assertion that the claimants were entitled to exercise an option contained in the family farming partnership agreement.
Advised the residuary beneficiaries of an estate on attempts to secure their inheritance, alleged to be valued in excess of £100m, in a case involving allegations of fraud against one of the former Executors as well as professional negligence and fraud claims against former advisers.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Robert Horsey; Michael Alden; Kerry Morgan-Gould
Other key lawyers
Katie Webber; Sasha Wicks; Rebecca Milton; Hannah Brittain