Department profile
Forbes

Private Wealth Disputes

High Net Worth Guide 2026 : North West


Forbes

Rankings

About

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Wealth Disputes - North West

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

The contentious trusts and probate team at Forbes advises high net worth clients on matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975, trust disputes and financial abuse claims.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Forbes are helpful and clear.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Forbes offer a human understanding in complex issues.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Forbes' primary strength is client focus as a priority at every stage. The firm constantly asks itself how a particular step will assist the client. Costs are not generated unnecessarily.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Victoria Motley
    Band 2Victoria Motley

    Victoria Motley

    Victoria Motley advises high net worth clients on matters including wills, trusts, family investment companies and power of attorney.

    • Victoria inspires confidence in her knowledge and advice.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 3John Lambe
    Band 3John Lambe

    John Lambe

    John Lambe is a well-regarded contentious trusts and probate partner at Forbes.

    • John is a down-to-earth litigator with keen client awareness.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • John is a very good solicitor. He has always been available for advice and to discuss the case as it proceeds.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 3Tom Howcroft
    Band 3Tom Howcroft

    Tom Howcroft

    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 a truly excellent partner who is an expert in his field.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Tom is highly effective in managing clients.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Tom is a joy to deal with.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Forbes (3)

Lancashire

North West

Members

Provided by Forbes

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