Sintons LLP’s dedicated contentious trusts and probate team is known for handling a wide range of complex disputes, including will challenges, Inheritance Act claims, executor removals, trust disputes, TOLATA applications and Court of Protection matters. The team also deals with niche issues such as relief from forfeiture applications, mutual wills and domicile disputes, and recent growth areas include high-value claims and disputes involving company assets. Emma Saunders leads the team, specialising in complex probate litigation, while Jonathan Grogan brings solid experience across a wide range of trust and probate disputes.

Burnetts’ contentious trusts and probate team offers comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of disputes, with particular strength in complex estate administrations and agricultural matters; it was regularly instructed in High Court litigation. James Johnston leads the practice and is recognised for his deep understanding of partnership disputes and contentious probate matters involving commercial assets. Newly promoted to partner Johnny Coulthard plays a key role in the department, leading most of the team’s contentious probate work and frequently acting in high-value, High Court cases.

Ward Hadaway LLP’s contentious trusts and probate team is recognised for its broad expertise across private wealth and estate disputes, with notable experience acting for both commercial and private clients. The team is co-led by Martin Woodford, who brings particular strength in high-value claims and is noted for his niche expertise at the intersection of professional negligence and contentious trust issues. Gaynor Jackson is highly regarded for her work with charities on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Ashleigh Lavender and Matthew Sigsworth both offer deep experience in complex trust and inheritance disputes, with Sigsworth also advising trustees, executors and beneficiaries in private wealth litigation.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s contentious trusts and probate team advises a broad range of clients in the UK and internationally, including individuals, families, trustees, charities, financial institutions, attorneys, and defendant insurer practices. The team is adept at handling the full lifecycle of disputes, from preventative advice to litigation in complex, high-value matters involving trusts, estates, wills, and tax. Joe Kelley leads from Newcastle, bringing specialist expertise in high-value private wealth disputes; Kelley is particularly experienced in acting for trustees (both onshore and offshore), beneficiaries, charities, HNWIs, and insurers.

EMG Solicitors is a boutique firm with a strong focus on private client work, particularly noted for its expertise in Court of Protection matters and contentious probate. The team is well equipped to handle disputes involving wills, Inheritance Act claims, and related applications. Natalie Spedding, co-head of the team and based in Penrith, leads the disputes and litigation practice, handling a broad range of cases. Julia Middleton, co-head in Gosforth, also plays a key role in the firm’s contentious private client offering.

Hay & Kilner’s contentious trusts and probate team is well regarded for its handling of highly complex disputes, with particular expertise in agricultural matters. The team regularly advises on will validity challenges, Inheritance Act claims, proprietary estoppel, lifetime gift disputes and other contentious issues. Practice head Guy Barr brings decades of experience in both commercial and private client disputes. Bethany Herbertson leads on many of the team’s most intricate matters, including those involving agricultural estates and professional negligence elements.