Tom Howcroft

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

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.

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

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.

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