Department profile
Forbes

Private Wealth Disputes

High Net Worth Guide 2025 : 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 3

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.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Forbes has a knowledgeable team that provides advice that is always tailored to clients' needs.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • The team work very closely with each other and counsel. The lines of communication are always open.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • 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.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Up and ComingTom Howcroft
    Up and ComingTom 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 very level-headed, knows the law inside out and delivers what the client wants.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • 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.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Tom is a very strong lawyer with a good grasp of the realities of litigation.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Tom is a fantastic lawyer to work with as he is very commercially aware, likeable and easy to build a strong relationship with.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Forbes (1)

North West

Members

Provided by Forbes

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