Contentious Probate

Highly regarded firm that competes with the big names in the capital for this work. Able to offer experienced partner involvement at competitive rates.

Legal 500 2020

The profile of this team is on the rise: it is involved in some of the largest, most complex proceedings. Its USP is that it combines the experience of the big London firms but with the fresh perspective of a firm outside London.

Legal 500 2020

The advice I received graduated towards an agreed solution - at no time did I feel that I was being led into an area that had not been discussed.

Legal 500 2020

The Michelmores team is thoughtful, responsive and spends time listening to what clients actually need and want before suggesting creative solutions. They also give good value.

Legal 500 2020

The team is hard-working and professional at all times. It focuses on executable strategies and is not distracted by manoeuvres of their opponents.

Legal 500 2020

The firm keeps you involved in determining the strategy and never overreaches itself, recognising where it is appropriate for it to step back and allow the client to retake control of matters.

Legal 500 2017

After more than seven years embroiled in a family dispute over an inherited farm I was lucky enough to be recommended to contact the Disputed Wills & Trusts Team at Michelmores. So began the long road to recovery. The Michelmores team were terrific and I cannot thank them enough.

The team is first-rate; it has huge experience in dealing with contentious trusts and estates disputes and is able to draw on its excellent non-contentious and corporate teams where cases have cross-over in these fields. It has the strength and depth of a London firm whilst having the flexibility and freshness of approach of a regional firm. They are a dedicated, well-organised and highly successful operation.

Legal 500 2022

Regionally based firm but with expertise of a Central London practice. Competitive on fees, approachable associates and partner. Able to support with areas other than Contentious Probate when required.

Legal 500 2022

We are a nationally recognised team advising in the area of disputed wills, trusts  and legacies.

Our experienced team has an excellent reputation for advising on complex issues connected with Wills, trusts and estates for both charities and individuals.

How can we help?

Our specialist team of Contentious Probate Solicitors provide expert and understanding advice on a range of disputes.

If you have any concerns about the terms of a will or the provisions of an estate − for example, if you believe you have been unfairly excluded from a will or left without financial provision, there are steps that you can take.

We look to resolve problems as quickly as possible.  In particular, we aim to tackle issues via Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, wherever appropriate.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team to find out more.

FAQs about contesting a will

Recent experience

Acting for the spouse of a famous artist in relation to the provisions of his Will.

Securing a settlement in a case involving a complex Estate with aspects relating to Texan law.

Bringing proceedings on behalf of defendants in a High Court trial regarding testamentary capacity.

Acting for the ultimate beneficiaries of a trust who were concerned that the trustees were depleting the trust assets and favouring another beneficiary.

Reaching settlement for a charity client at a mediation in a claim concerning the testamentary capacity of the Deceased (a famous ballerina).

Acting for the claimant wife of a wealthy property developer, who lost capacity following a stroke, in a dispute with our client’s step-children over the management of his business.

KEY CONTACTS
Tony Cockayne
Tony Cockayne
Partner
TEAM
Lorraine Jeffery
Lorraine Jeffery
Consultant Solicitor
Lisa Benham
Lisa Benham
Associate
Jasmine Ivory
Jasmine Ivory
Senior Associate
Rajvinder Kaur
Rajvinder Kaur
Senior Associate
William Coon
William Coon
Associate