Private Wealth Disputes - North West
Band 3
What the Team is Known For
The contentious trusts and probate team of Forbes advises high net worth clients on matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975, trust disputes and financial abuse claims.

High Net Worth Guide 2025 : North West
Ranked Individual
Provided by Forbes
Our Private Wealth Disputes team sits at the forefront of contentious trusts and probate, acting for high‑net‑worth individuals, trustees, executors and beneficiaries in the most complex and high‑value disputes nationwide. We are instructed on heavyweight Inheritance Act claims, will and trust challenges, proprietary estoppel and disputes involving agricultural estates, succession planning failures and cross‑border elements. We operate a deliberately selective model, running fewer matters with exceptional strategic control, commercial rigour and client focus. We are trusted to handle disputes where outcomes matter not just financially, but personally and across generations. This approach delivers consistently strong outcomes in disputes where the financial stakes, technical complexity and personal impact are at their highest.
Provided by Chambers
The contentious trusts and probate team of Forbes advises high net worth clients on matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975, trust disputes and financial abuse claims.
Provided by Chambers
Forbes has a knowledgeable team that provides advice that is always tailored to clients' needs.
The team work very closely with each other and counsel. The lines of communication are always open.
My contentious probate case is quite sensitive and complex, but Forbes Solicitors are extremely knowledgeable and have guided me through this whole process with confidence.
Provided by Chambers
Tom Howcroft is joint head of the contentious trusts and probate team at Forbes. He leads on matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975, will validity disputes and breaches of trust.
Tom is very level-headed, knows the law inside out and delivers what the client wants.
I cannot speak highly enough of Tom Howcroft. As well as his exceptional expertise, skill and knowledge, he also cared very much about me and my family.
Tom is a very strong lawyer with a good grasp of the realities of litigation.
Tom is a fantastic lawyer to work with as he is very commercially aware, likeable and easy to build a strong relationship with.
Provided by Forbes
John Lambe
Tom Howcroft
View profile of Tom HowcroftChambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.