Trust, will and estate disputes
Understanding trust and estate disputes
We understand these disputes are personal. An understanding of relationships within the family is often key to their resolution.
We always try to resolve matters without recourse to litigation, aiming to reach pragmatic and cost effective solutions if at all possible.
Where necessary however we are experienced in the full litigation process, working closely with our colleagues in our Private Client and other teams to ensure we give a thorough holistic service.
How our trust and estate disputes solicitors can help you
Providing expert legal support for family and inherited wealth disputes
Our lawyers deal with family and inherited wealth disputes. Multi-jurisdictional families and estates, blended family structures and evolving family dynamics and succession issues are just some of the areas that we can lend support on.
The team advises in all areas of trust and estate litigation. We have an established reputation in the ‘bread and butter’ areas of practice, such as Inheritance Act claims, will challenges and administration disputes but frequently handle high-value, high stakes, complex litigation, often in conjunction with our Family Office partners who provide cross-practice expertise in dealing with HNW and UHNW family dynamics.
Family and inherited wealth disputes
Our experts can advise on the full range of trust and probate disputes. We assist individuals, family offices, trustees, trust corporations and charities in resolving...
Contested legacies
Our team of specialists is dedicated to ensuring that your charity's interests are protected and upheld in contested legacy cases. We aim to provide an unrivalled...
For contentious estates and trusts, the partners are super-experienced and great specialists. Their senior associates are also good.
Our approach
Providing expert cross-border legal Services
We are increasingly instructed for our cross-border and international work. This involves issues of foreign assets, domicile, residence, applicable law and the often conflicting interaction of civil and common law jurisdictions.
Our independent trust company (Russell-Cooke Trust Company) means that we are also well placed to offer executor and trustee services in complicated and often contentious administrations.
We also have considerable experience in relation to capacity cases, including disputes concerning Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) and applications to the Court of Protection.
Capacity and Court of Protection disputes
Many of our private client solicitors are specialists in issues affecting those who have lost the capacity to manage their affairs...
Family Office service
About our Family Office services
Russell-Cooke’s Family Office offer clear, practical advice on anything from wills and pre-nuptial agreements to business and property portfolios via philanthropic aims and reputational issues.
Find out how Russell-Cooke’s Family Office provide families with seamless access to the specialist advice they need and when they need it.
Family Office service
Find out how we can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their future planning and navigate the difficult conversations that might otherwise lead to conflict.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our trusts and estate disputes solicitors by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7530 or complete our enquiry form.
Get to know our trust and estate disputes team
The team has multi-jurisdictional expertise, a holistic approach, and specialised knowledge in handling complex cases. They draw on various departments within the firm to find innovative solutions tailored to each situation.
The team have very strong depth, with each team member understanding different aspects of the case while being in unison. There is a constant feedback of ideas and strategies.
Related insights
The latest news and insights from our trusts and estate disputes team
17.06.2026
Russell-Cooke promotes two to legal director
16.06.2026
Sarah Arnold appointed to The Association of Contentious Trust & Probate Specialists Committee
27.05.2026
Russell-Cooke promotes three to partnership