The team at Ashfords LLP has extensive experience acting across the full spectrum of disputes, acting on matters such as will validity, international succession law disputes and challenges to lifetime transactions. The team is jointly led by Robert Horsey, who is head of the disputed wills and trusts team, and Kerry Morgan-Gould, who heads up the trusts and estates team, advising private individuals, charities and trustees in relation to a vast range of contentious matters arising out of wills, trusts and estates. Also leading the team is Michael Alden, who leads the firm’s general private wealth offering.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our case was complex as it was a proprietary estoppel claim to commit to a mutual will even though it was never signed by the surviving party. It was a long case which also involved the removal of one of the executors and a dispute regarding chattels. The Ashfords team was excellent, very supportive and knowledgeable. They were able to explain the legal arguments and options available to us, eventually leading us to mediation and settlement.’
‘Robert Horsey was excellent and he provided team leadership and was always available to explain the best legal strategy, highlighting the risks involved.’
‘I always recommend Ashfords. High standards of technical expertise not only from partners but also from all associate- and even junior-level solicitors are second to none. Consistently high levels of support and advice are provided across the firm.’
‘Their technical expertise is a "given" but their ability to be practical and assess the other non-legal but essential elements of any litigious matter is a differentiating factor. The very high quality of the support provided to partners by their associate-level solicitors is key to their success. They have been shown to be adaptable where clients have liquidity issues with long-term litigation and have been content to work with clients to ensure that the financial aspects of the matter are managed in a practical way.’
‘A giant in the contentious, trusts and probate world in the south-west of England, and developing a national reputation.’
‘Robert Horsey - a partner who combines intellectual rigour with a calm and down-to-earth demeanour and achieves fantastic results. Highly recommended.’
Work highlights
Assisted on a 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 on a case concerning potential claims on an estate.
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