Contentious Probate

"Michelmores has a really strong presence in this area. Tony Cockayne is an excellent team leader; he is unflappable, full of energy and has a real sense of when a point is worth pushing and when to pull back."

Legal 500 2023

"The team is very knowledgeable of the charity sector and fully aware of its needs and challenges. Their advice always takes these into consideration, and especially addresses the reputational issues which the charity may face in contentious matters"

Legal 500 2023

"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

"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

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.