Trusts and Estates Dispute Solicitors
Resolving complex trusts and estates disputes with expertise and sensitivity
Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, especially when disputes arise around the administration of their estate. The combination of grief, financial concerns, and complex family relationships can often create a highly charged and distressing situation.
Trusts are also a vital part of managing and protecting wealth for current and future generations. However, they can become a source of conflict where disagreements occur between trustees, beneficiaries, or other interested parties. Disputes over trusts and estates are often deeply personal, emotionally taxing, and legally complex.
Our team of experienced trust and estate dispute solicitors is here to help you navigate these challenging circumstances with empathy, clarity, and legal precision. We have extensive experience acting in a wide range of disputes, whether involving estates, wills, or trusts, both in and out of court.
We regularly assist clients where concerns arise over how a trust or estate is being administered, allegations of misconduct or breach of duty by executors, trustees, attorneys, or deputies, or where a will or trust’s validity is being challenged. Our team supports beneficiaries who feel they have been unfairly treated, as well as trustees and executors seeking guidance on their legal obligations or facing claims. We also advise trustees making complex or momentous decisions, including obtaining directions or approval from the court where appropriate.
In particularly sensitive cases, we can act as independent executors or trustees, often where disputes have already arisen and neutrality is essential to restoring trust and progress. We also work alongside our experienced Court of Protection team to advise on disputes involving people who no longer have capacity to manage their own affairs.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to understand your situation and outline your options. From there, we provide a clear case assessment and work with you to explore the best course of action, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Throughout, we prioritise open communication, practical advice, and tailored solutions focused on achieving the best outcome for you.
If you’re involved in a trust or estate dispute, our specialist team is here to support you every step of the way.
Wherever you are on your journey, our legal advisors can help. Call us today on 0330 024 0333 or complete our contact form.Our Trusts and Estates Dispute 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
How our Trusts and Estates Dispute experts can help
National reach with international strength
Our team delivers seamless support across the UK, backed by a robust national presence and trusted global connections through the Multilaw network. This enables us to offer clients international reach with local expertise, ensuring coordinated, high-quality legal representation no matter where your needs arise.
Specialist expertise in trust and estate disputes
Our dedicated team brings deep, specialist knowledge in trust and estate litigation. With professionals qualified through ACTAPS and STEP, we offer expert guidance on complex disputes, delivering clarity and peace of mind. Clients trust us for our technical skill, discretion, and results-driven approach in sensitive matters.
Comprehensive support through strategic partnerships
Our clients benefit from a truly integrated service, supported by close collaboration across our teams, including tax, property, planning, commercial, and private client law. We also maintain strong relationships with barristers, accountants, financial advisors, and litigation funders, ensuring clients receive comprehensive, strategic, and outcome-focused advice at every stage
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.
Trusts and Estates Dispute frequently asked questions
A dispute around an estate can arise in a number of different circumstances. There might be a claim about the validity of a will, a claim for financial provision or a dispute about how an estate is being administered.
A trust dispute arises when there’s disagreement about how a trust is managed, its validity, or how assets are distributed. Those disputes may include allegations of breach of duty, fraud, or mismanagement.
Beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and anyone with a legitimate interest in a trust can initiate a dispute. If you believe a trust has been mishandled or you’ve been wrongly excluded, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Yes, trustees and executors can be removed by the court if they breach their duties, act dishonestly, or if the relationship between parties breaks down. Alternative dispute resolution methods may also be used to resolve issues without litigation.
Where a trustee or executor is removed, we can act as the replacement trustee or executor, via our trust corporation.
Trustees must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, manage trust/estate assets prudently, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow the terms of the will/trust. Breaching these duties may lead to legal action or personal liability.
Trusts and estate disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Our goal is to protect your rights while reaching a resolution that is both efficient and cost-effective.
The duration depends on the complexity of the case and whether it can be settled out of court. Some disputes can be resolved in a matter of months, while others may take over a year if litigation is involved.
Not necessarily. Many trusts and estate disputes are resolved without court proceedings through settlement discussions or mediation. However, if an amicable resolution isn’t possible, court may be the best option to protect your interests.
Costs vary depending on the complexity and duration of the dispute. We offer a free initial consultation and will discuss likely costs and funding options upfront. In some cases, costs may be recoverable from the trust or another party if successful.
What our clients say about us
How the Trusts and Estates Dispute process works
Not everyone is aware of how the process of engaging Trusts and Estates Dispute 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 Trusts and Estates Dispute 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
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