Private Wealth Disputes
High Net Worth Guide 2024 : London (Firms)
Band 3
About
Provided by Wedlake Bell LLP
We have significant experience in advising on a wide range of UK and cross-border disputes concerning estates, trusts and vulnerable clients. We also recognise that disputes can be stressful for those involved and so we always aim for an expedient conclusion, using alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, wherever possible.
Our particular expertise includes:
Estate Disputes
- claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
- challenges to the validity of a Will including those relating to a lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.
- applications for the removal of executors.
- disputes regarding the deceased’s personal possessions or the ownership of a deceased’s ashes.
Trust Disputes
- advising trustees and beneficiaries in relation to trust assets and the administration of the trust, such as seeking disclosure of financial or other information.
- applications for the removal of a trustee.
- applications to vary the terms of a trust.
- proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims.
Vulnerable client disputes
- advising on and preparing a wide range of applications to the Court of Protection in respect of incapacitated individuals including: the appointment of a deputy for property and affairs; making a statutory Will or gift; and the appointment or discharge of a trustee.
- dealing with the Office of the Public Guardian in cases of suspected financial abuse by an attorney.
Chambers Review
Wedlake Bell advises clients across domestic and international contentious trusts and probate disputes. Its lawyers are well placed to provide specialist litigation advice on issues relating to asset recovery and breach of duty claims.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are a very well-organised, modern firm, and that plays out in their client service."
"They have a good team who look at all the angles and they deal quickly and efficiently with my queries."
"They are a very well-organised, modern firm, and that plays out in their client service."
"They have a good team who look at all the angles and they deal quickly and efficiently with my queries."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew O'Keeffe's contentious trust and probate practice includes acting for various parties in disputed inheritance cases regarding sizeable family estates.
"Andrew O'Keefe is unflappable, he has good judgement and he's seen it all in all sorts of difficult cases."
"He has got great experience and great international connections."
"Andrew is clever, considered and a class act."
Caroline Miller's practice combines contentious and non-contentious private wealth matters. She leads the private client disputes team at the firm.
"Caroline is Miller is bright, perceptive and persuasive. She is utterly assured."
"Caroline is an excellent trust lawyer."
"She knows her stuff and she is also very good at managing the case overall. She is also very commercially minded."