Overview

Disputes relating to high-value assets, trusts, and estates are a priority issue for all involved parties, requiring fast and effective resolution.

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Our take

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To avoid a lengthy and potentially costly decision-making process, specialist help at an early stage is essential.

Your team

Your inheritance and trust disputes team

Our outstanding Private Wealth Disputes team (who are all members of The Contested Trusts Association), specialise in resolving these kinds of conflicts for individuals, families, and trustees.

With deep expertise and extensive experience covering a wide range of issues, our bespoke services include: trust and estate disputes, including challenging trustee decisions and the removal of executors and trustees; bringing and defending inheritance claims when concerns arise about the validity of a will; and helping clients bring and defend claims in relation to land (often agricultural) which has been promised to a potential beneficiary.

Drawing on insight from our wide network of specialists, we also work with clients to resolve contentious cross-border issues often involving complex international trust and estate matters; professional negligence claims relating to the actions of trustees and advisors in the private client sector; complex Court of Protection litigation; and of course tax – advising beneficiaries on tax regulations and possible exemptions relating to disputes.

Looking for independent financial advice that gives you clarity and confidence – for now and the future? 
Find out more on our dedicated Womble Bond Dickinson Wealth website.
In need of an inheritance and trust disputes lawyer? Look no further.
At Womble Bond Dickinson we have an exceptional team of talented lawyers and business professionals who can offer guidance and find the solutions right for your business. We have both broad and niche expertise across all our UK and US offices.
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Client success stories

How we've helped

  • A leading London-based insurer and its insured in relation to a complex professional negligence claim brought by a Jersey-based corporate trustee and a high-net worth Middle Eastern family. The claim concerned income tax, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax liabilities which were incurred as a result of multiple complex transactions arising from the taxation of so-called 'enveloped' UK property.
  • A farming trust, successfully procuring the removal of two siblings acting as co-trustees following a stalemate between the siblings. The court was persuaded to remove both siblings at the directions hearing and for the firm's trust company to be made the sole ongoing trustee. The team continues to manage the ongoing relationship with the trust's beneficiaries.
  • A Jersey-based fiduciary services company in its capacity as trustee of a significant offshore family settlement, in seeking to recover an eight-figure sum from an onshore lender.
  • We procured a successful judgment setting aside nine loans entered into on the grounds of equitable mistake. The decision confirmed a novel point of law in respect of whether loan transactions on 'soft' terms can be considered 'voluntary dispositions' rather than a contract. A subsequent professional negligence claim meant our client received compensation for the majority of costs they incurred in correcting the mistake.
  • A significant landed estate, for which we settled a long-running, high-value proprietary estoppel claim on favourable terms. The claim, which we defended, centred on alleged promises made in the 1980s and early 1990s in relation to succession plans for the farms and farming business.
  • Acted in the most valuable Will validity claim to reach the High Court, worth around £100m. The trial lasted 3 weeks and over fifty witnesses provided evidence.

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Testimonials

Neil Long – recognised for being “extremely pragmatic, very client-focused, down to earth and sensible.” 

Chambers High Net Worth

Joe Kelley – highlighted as an associate to watch for his experience in private client litigation matters. 

Chambers High Net Worth

Rosie Taylor – highlighted as an "enthusiastic, responsive" associate to watch. 

Chambers High Net Worth

"The 'extremely responsive and highly client-focused' team at Womble Bond Dickinson is skilled at handling contested high-value and complex trusts, estates, wills and tax matters." 

Legal 500 2024
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