Hugh James‘ contentious trusts team supports private clients and charities, including health, care, animal, and faith-based organisations. Members of the team regularly act on probate disputes, proprietary estoppel and legacy claims. Roman Kubiak leads the team, advising clients on cross-border estate disputes concerning undue influence and breach of trust. Matthew Evans acts for beneficiaries, professional trustees, company directors, and charities. Within the team, John Davies focuses on claims concerning will validity, inheritance and the removal of executors and trustees.
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Work highlights
Advised a widow and discretionary beneficiary in a contentious estate dispute where late changes severed property ownership and introduced a discretionary trust, assessing a will challenge on capacity and undue influence and, in the alternative, a potential Inheritance Act claim for reasonable provision.
Advised an individual following a parent’s death in a high-value estate and family partnership dispute, analysing beneficial ownership of agricultural and development property and related debt, while sensitively managing vulnerable overseas beneficiaries and coordinating counsel, insolvency and valuation experts.
Acted for five charities in an urgent, cross-border will dispute involving allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity and professional negligence, securing caveats in England and offshore jurisdictions for a £3m estate and advising on associated inheritance tax implications.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
John Davies
Practice head
Roman Kubiak
Other key lawyers
Matthew Evans; John Davies