Wills, Trusts & Estates · Estate Disputes
Part of our wider Wills, Trusts & Estates services
Estate Disputes Solicitors
Disputes over wills, inheritance, and estate administration are sensitive and complex. We act for beneficiaries, executors, and those challenging or defending a will — with clear advice from the outset.
Chester-based, acting across Cheshire, North Wales and throughout England and Wales. These disputes often arise at the most difficult times — we handle every matter with the sensitivity it deserves.
No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.
Types of estate dispute we handle
Estate disputes take many forms. Whether you are challenging a will, disputing the conduct of an executor, or making a claim under the Inheritance Act, early specialist advice is essential.
Contesting a will
Challenging the validity of a will on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to comply with the formal requirements for execution.
Inheritance Act claims
Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 where a will or the intestacy rules fail to make reasonable financial provision for a spouse, child, or dependant.
Executor disputes
Challenging the conduct of an executor — including failure to administer the estate properly, delay, conflict of interest, or misappropriation of estate assets.
Proprietary estoppel claims
Claims based on a promise or assurance that you would inherit property or assets — where you relied on that promise to your detriment.
How we approach estate disputes
Initial assessment
We review the circumstances of your dispute and advise honestly on the merits of your position — including the likely costs and timescales involved.
Pre-action steps
Many estate disputes are resolved without litigation. We advise on pre-action correspondence, mediation, and negotiated settlements before any court proceedings are issued.
Protecting your position
Where urgent action is needed — for example, to prevent estate assets being distributed or dissipated — we advise on the steps available to protect your position.
Litigation if necessary
Where a negotiated resolution is not possible, we represent you in contentious probate proceedings and Inheritance Act claims in the courts of England and Wales.
Disputed estates and probate
Estate disputes often arise during the probate process. Our probate team handles disputed estates, executor disputes, and contentious probate proceedings.
Find out about disputed estates and probate →Related Wills & Estates Services
Concerned about an estate dispute?
Speak to an estate disputes solicitor today. Confidential, sensitive advice — costs explained clearly before any work begins.
No obligation — confidential advice on your position. Chester, Cheshire & North Wales.
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Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. She is known for her calm, methodical approach — qualities that are particularly valued by clients navigating emotionally complex and sensitive family situations. Laura has a genuine understanding of the dynamics that arise within families at difficult times, and brings both legal expertise and thoughtful insight to every matter she handles.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
David is our first point of contact for clients enquiring about wills, trusts, and estate matters. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive subject — and clients consistently remark on how at ease he makes them feel. Discreet and thorough, David goes the extra mile to ensure every client achieves the outcome they are looking for.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Darren has worked in the legal sector since 1998 and has been a STEP member since 2011. He specialises in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and probate — with particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and complex estate structuring.
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Nikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax and sensitive family circumstances.
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No obligation · Confidential advice · Serving Chester, Cheshire & North Wales
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352