Online literature


Will service pdf
We provide a 'postal Will', an 'on line' service, and a more traditional service where clients are able to come into the office to discuss their requirements.

Spotlight on family trusts pdf
A brief summary of the different types of trust that we are able to provide, their uses and benefits.

Deeds of Variation pdf
The use of Deeds of Variation to provide better outcomes after someone has died, whether the aim is to save inheritance tax or to achieve an alternative distribution of the estate assets.

The use of Discretionary Trusts in inheritance tax planning pdf
A summary of the ever popular nil rate band discretionary trust, and how these can, in many instances, save a family well over £100,000 in tax.

Family business pdf
Describes different ways of protecting the family business from Inheritance Tax, marital breakdown etc and the numerous ways in which the business can be smoothly passed from one generation of the family to the next.

Inheritance Act claims pdf
Facing or making claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We have extensive experience of both bringing claims and defending against them.

Exemptions from Inheritance Tax pdf
Provides a brief summary of the mains exemptions from inheritance tax.



Contentious probate

Our experienced and dedicated contentious probate team have the capability to deal with all disputes arising out of Wills and probate, including :-

  • Bringing and defending proceedings where inadequate provision has been made in a will, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act (1975)
  • Challenging and defending wills on the basis of wills that lack:

    • due execution;
    • testamentary intention;
    • capacity;
    • knowledge and approval;
    • and on the basis of undue influence.
  • Resolving disputes between executors and beneficiaries, including:
    both bringing and defending applications for the removal of executors;
    where the provisions of a will are unclear, applying for directions as to the implementation of the terms of a will and the construction of clauses of a will.
  • Advising and litigating in relation to the negligent drafting of wills and administration of estates.
  • Challenging and defending the ownership of property on the basis of constructive trust and proprietary estoppel claims in the context of will disputes.



For more information contact Michelle Rose or Fiona Lawrence.

Work experience/case studies:

  • Acting on behalf of a variety of private individuals, including spouses, former spouses, dependants and adult children in claims against wills where sufficient provision has not been made.
  • Defending applications brought by disgruntled co-executors and beneficiaries in multi-million pound estates for the removal of executors and for the substitution of new executors.
  • Acting on behalf of a beneficiary who helped draft a deceased's will which left him the majority of the estate in defending a claim brought by the other disappointed beneficiaries against the will on the basis that the deceased was unduly influenced or lacked the necessary intention to execute the will.