Private Wealth Disputes
North West
1 year ranked
INDIVIDUAL PROFILE
Tom Howcroft
High Net Worth 2025
Ranked in 1 practice area
About
Provided by Forbes
High Net Worth
Practice Areas
• Contentious Wills and Probate
• Breach of Trust Disputes
• Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 Claims
• Challenges to the Validity of Wills
• Trusts of Land Dispute
• Trustees Disputes
• Proprietary Estoppel Claims
• Interpretation and Administration claims
Tom acts for claimants and defendants alike who are based nationally and internationally, with a particular focus on high-value and complex disputes.
Career
Tom is Joint Head of the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes team. He has extensive experience acting for trustees, executors, beneficiaries and high-net-worth individuals in disputes concerning the administration of estates and trusts.
After qualifying in 2017, Tom quickly established a reputation for his strategic approach to disputes and personable approach with clients. Tom pursues the best outcome for his client through his negotiation style and ability to resolve emotionally charged disputes efficiently.
Professional Memberships
Full Member, Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Publications
Tom has appeared on BBC Radio to discuss unclaimed estates and regularly writes and comments on contentious trusts and probate matters for leading publications, and has delivered webinars, including for the National Will Register.
Read more...
https://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/articles/is-your-inheritance-being-mismanaged-how-to-protect-your-rights-as-a-beneficiary
https://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/articles/the-inheritance-act-pursuing-your-share-of-an-estate
https://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/articles/what-is-the-success-rate-of-contesting-a-will
Clients
Tom acts for
• High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals
• Trustees and professional fiduciaries
• Executors and personal representatives
• Beneficiaries of complex or disputed estates
Personal
Tom is known for his calm and empathetic approach, particularly in family disputes involving grief or inter-generational conflict. Outside work, he is a keen sportsman and enjoys golf, football and skiing.
Experience
Tom has over 10 years’ experience in contentious private client work and has built a leading practice in high-value contentious wills and trust disputes. He is known for his strategic insight, negotiation skills, and empathy with clients navigating complex family dynamics.
Tom frequently conducts his own advocacy and works alongside leading specialist barristers to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Awards
Recommended Lawyer (2021–2026) - Contentious Trusts and Probate
Legal 500 UK
Next Generation Partner (2026) - Contentious Trusts and Probate
Legal 500 UK
Up and Coming Lawyer, Chambers High Net Worth Guide (2025) - Private Wealth Disputes
Chambers and Partners
Industry Sector Expertise
Tom has a strong understanding of private wealth, agriculture, landed estates, often advising clients with assets held across multiple jurisdictions. He works closely with the private client team who specialise in tax and estate planning specialists to ensure strategic alignment between dispute resolution and long-term asset protection.
Key sectors
Family Offices and High Net WorthFinancial ServicesBusiness and Professional Services
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Chambers High Net Worth
Private Wealth Disputes - North West
Up and Coming
Individual Editorial
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.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Tom is very level-headed, knows the law inside out and delivers what the client wants.
Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net WorthI 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 DisputesChambers High Net WorthTom is a very strong lawyer with a good grasp of the realities of litigation.
Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net WorthTom is a fantastic lawyer to work with as he is very commercially aware, likeable and easy to build a strong relationship with.
Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net Worth
Ranked Individuals at Forbes (1)
North West
Tom Howcroft
Private Wealth Disputes
View profile
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