Independent Administrators and Trustees Solicitors
Expert independent administrator and trustee services for resolving estate and trust disputes
We offer a specialist Independent Administrator and Independent Trustee service, designed to support the effective resolution of disputes and the smooth administration of estates and trusts. We have a breadth of expertise resolving issues involving conflict, complexity, or a breakdown in existing relationships and are known for our impartiality, professionalism, and experience in handling high stakes matters.
Acting as a neutral third party, we specialise in resolving trust and estate disputes with independence, integrity, and a clear focus on the best interests of the estate. Our role is to reduce conflict, promote transparency, and ensure the smooth progression of the administration, particularly where responsibilities are contested or relationships have become strained.
We provide a single, professional point of contact throughout the administration process, offering clarity, legal assurance, and confidence to all parties involved. Our team is experienced in managing sensitive dynamics and high-value disputes between beneficiaries, executors, trustees, and other stakeholders. We also prioritise efficiency and cost-effectiveness, helping families and organisations move forward with certainty and peace of mind.
How we can help
Our team has been appointed as independent administrators and trustees in a variety of high-value and complex estates, often where impartiality, sensitivity, and technical expertise are essential. We are experienced in managing estates that involve multiple beneficiaries, charitable interests, or complex property arrangements, ensuring that each matter is handled with fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
Examples of our work include:
- An estate valued at approximately £13 million, comprising an extensive property portfolio, where we acted via the Attorney General. The beneficiaries of the estate included both individuals and charities.
- Several Derbyshire farming estates, where we secured vacant possession of land and buildings and oversaw the division of land among beneficiaries. This involved negotiating, drafting, and agreeing a series of complex property transfers.
- A substantial Cheshire estate, where Andrew Wilkinson was appointed as a personal representative alongside a family member to administer two related estates.
Our Independent Administrators and Trustees team
John Tunnard
Partner & Head of Bristol
Suzanne Leggott
Partner & Head of Private Wealth
Jonathan Stork
Partner
Alistair Spencer
Legal Director
Anna Morris
Associate
Tamsin Walker
Associate
Clare Hopkins
Consultant Solicitor
Meg Edwards
Solicitor
Andrew Wilkinson
Head of Trusts and Estates Disputes
Eleanor White
Contentious Probate Assistant
How our Independent Administrators and Trustees experts can help
STEP and ACTAPS qualified lawyers
Our team includes a wide range of lawyers qualified through STEP and ACTAPS, demonstrating our expertise in trust and estate disputes and complex estate administrations. As a full-service firm, we handle every stage of the estate process in-house—from initial advice to final distribution—ensuring continuity, efficiency, and peace of mind for clients.
NAIA members
We are one of the few firms that are members of both the National Association of Independent Administrators (NAIA) and the Association of Corporate Trustees. This reflects our specialist capabilities in acting as independent administrators in contentious or complex estates, where impartiality, governance, and professional expertise are essential to achieving resolution.
Part of the Multilaw network
As a proud member of the Multilaw network, we collaborate with leading independent law firms across the globe. This enables us to seamlessly manage estates and trusts with international elements, offering clients access to trusted local expertise worldwide while maintaining a single point of contact and coordination through our firm.
Experienced in acting for charities
Our team has significant experience acting for charities, including appointments as interim managers in regulatory or governance matters. We are a panel firm for the Charity Commission and have a respected in-house charity law team, providing informed, sensitive, and effective support to charitable organisations navigating complex legal or operational challenges.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Specialised expertise - Our team of dedicated trust dispute solicitors includes members of ACTAPS and STEP, reflecting our in-depth knowledge of trust disputes, contentious probate, and inheritance law. We offer practical legal guidance informed by years of experience resolving even the most complex trust litigation matters.
- Comprehensive legal support - We provide end-to-end legal assistance in all areas of trust and probate disputes, including trustee misconduct, beneficiary disputes, and challenges to the validity of trusts. Our cross-disciplinary approach ensures every angle is covered, delivering tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
- Clear advice and transparent costs - From your initial free consultation to the conclusion of your case, we keep you fully informed about progress, strategy, and potential costs. We offer clear, jargon-free advice and explore all available funding options to make our services accessible and affordable.
Independent Administrators and Trustees frequently asked questions
An independent administrator or trustee is a neutral professional, usually appointed by the court, to take control of an estate or trust when disputes or complexities prevent progress. Unlike family or friends, they bring impartiality and legal expertise to ensure fair, efficient, and lawful administration.
Appointments arise when there are disputes between executors and beneficiaries, conflicts of interest, an executor’s incapacity or inaction, or where specialist skills are needed. In cases with no valid will, and beneficiaries unable to agree on a letter of administration, the court may step in. Trustee removal and appointment can resolve deadlock and protect the estate.
Applications can be made by existing executors, trustees, or beneficiaries—typically when administration has stalled, or neutrality is needed. Courts favour the appointment of a qualified contentious probate administrator when the estate’s progress is at risk.
Yes. In intestacy situations, if beneficiaries can’t agree on who should apply for the grant of letters of administration, the court may appoint an independent administrator to ensure the estate is managed fairly and efficiently.
Once appointed, they hold the same powers as a traditional executor or trustee: managing assets, settling liabilities, distributing the estate, and liaising with legal and financial third parties. They are legally accountable to act solely in the estate’s best interests.
What our clients say about us
How the Independent Administrators and Trustees process works
Not everyone is aware of how the process of engaging Independent Administrators and Trustees solicitors works, so we’ve provided an overview below to give you some peace of mind
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The first stage is to get in touch with us using the button below – you will then be assigned to one of our Independent Administrators and Trustees specialists. Alternatively, you can reach us on 0330 024 0333.
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You’ll then receive a free 15-minute consultation within 24 hours via Zoom or telephone to discuss the issues you’re facing.
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You are then provided with a transparent breakdown of our costs and, if you would like to proceed, we send you a pack of onboarding documents
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Following this, we will guide and support you through the process of achieving a resolution that works for you and your family.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
Featured Trusts and Estates Dispute services
Inheritance and Trusts Disputes
If you feel that a family member’s wishes have not been fulfilled, or you haven’t received what is rightfully yours, our specialist team can help you resolve your dispute, whether that is through mediation or negotiation, or court proceedings.
Inheritance Act 1975 Claims
If you’ve been left out of a will or received less than you need for your future, our specialist inheritance solicitors can help you bring a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975. We provide clear, compassionate guidance to secure fair financial provision and protect your rights with care and expertise.
Contesting a Will
If you believe a loved one’s will is unfair, invalid, or the result of undue influence, our specialist contentious probate solicitors can help you understand your rights and options. We provide clear, practical guidance to resolve inheritance and trust disputes, protecting your interests with care, professionalism, and expertise.
Court of Protection Disputes
If you’re involved in a dispute about a loved one’s care, finances, or mental capacity, our specialist Court of Protection solicitors can guide you with clarity and compassion — helping to resolve sensitive issues such as contested deputyships, statutory wills, or financial abuse while protecting the vulnerable person’s best interests.
