Private Wealth Disputes

Matters relating to trusts and probate can become contentious and, when that happens, clients need to know that they will be represented by a team of experienced litigators who have extensive knowledge of both trusts and wills.

Forsters’ multidisciplinary team take an intelligent and creative approach to legal disputes and are often able to achieve a result for clients without the need for recourse to the courts. Where court proceedings are necessary their experience means that they are able to handle the process for clients with minimum disruption to their lives.

The team regularly advise trust companies in the UK and offshore on complex cross-border issues relating to succession and tax planning as well as a wide variety of disputes arising in a trust context. Their knowledge of the global trust industry means that they are also often instructed in asset tracing cases and anti-trust litigation by settlors, trustees and beneficiaries.

Forsters regularly deals with all types of probate disputes, including will validity challenges, forgery disputes and bringing and defending challenges under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which allows claimants to apply to the Court for provision out of a deceased's estate if reasonable provision has not been made for them. In addition, they have successfully acted on a wide range of Court of Protection applications.