Will Dispute and Contentious Probate Solicitors

We understand the death of a loved one can be an emotional time for the whole family. This is especially true if the deceased had not written a Will, if their Will fails to provide for those who depended upon them or if the intentions set out in their Will are unclear. This can sometimes lead to disputes over the interpretation of their wishes and even over the validity of the Will itself.

We can help you if you wish to challenge a Will, whether in your capacity as beneficiary or because you were dependent upon the deceased and have not been sufficiently provided for. We can also help if you find yourself, as a beneficiary of the Estate, defending a claim brought against it or if you are unhappy about the way an Estate is being administered.

We work closely with Executors and Trustees in advising on the complexities of their role from the beginning, minimising the risk of breaching their fiduciary duties and avoiding disagreements at a later date. If disputes do arise, we work to resolve them as constructively as possible through mediation and settlement discussions. If Court proceedings are required, we have the depth of experience in our team to gain a strong and positive outcome.

Our experienced team can assist on all aspects of contentious Trusts and Probate, including:

Contesting a Will (lack of capacity, lack of knowledge/approval, undue influence)
Fraudulent Wills
Invalid Wills (eg failure to properly execute)
Rectifying Wills and Trust Deeds
Applications to clarify the meaning of a Will (construction claims)
Financial provision for dependants under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
Disputes concerning executors
Disputes about estate assets
Advice and guidance for trustees
Trustee actions for breach, negligence and restitution
Removal of executors or trustees
Applications for inventory and accounts
Acting as neutral Independent Administrators on disputed estates
Applications for Declarations of Presumed Death

Our experienced team will provide clear and dependable advice that is supportive and sensitive to what you wish to achieve.

The team is led by members of the The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) who hold specialist qualifications as a result of their experience in this complex area of the law. The team also benefits from specialist expertise in our Wills, Probate, Tax and Trust and Agriculture and Estates teams.

What people say about us

'The Contentious Trusts and Probate team at Howes Percival stands out for its combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and pragmatic approach to resolving complex disputes. The team consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the legal and personal sensitivities that often arise in inheritance, trust, and estate-related matters, providing clear and practical advice throughout.'

'An excellent specialist contentious estates and trust team that has expanded over recent years. They have the experience and depth to assist a wide range of clients.'

'What distinguishes this practice is its ability to combine deep technical expertise with genuinely practical, client-focused advice. The team demonstrates a strong command of complex areas while consistently delivering solutions that are clear, commercially minded, and tailored to individual client circumstances. This balance between technical precision and usability is where the practice stands apart. Clients particularly value the team’s responsiveness, clarity of communication, and ability to anticipate issues before they arise.'

'Very experienced across the whole spectrum of trusts and estates issues.'

- Testimonials featured in The Legal 500

'I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Howes Percival, particularly Rachel Leatherland and Jennifer Laskey, for their exceptional professionalism, dedication and support in successfully resolving a long-standing and challenging dispute '

- Client testimonial

'Throughout the process, Rachel and Jennifer demonstrated excellent legal expertise, clear communication, diligence and a genuine commitment to achieving a positive outcome. Their professionalism, responsiveness and reassuring approach gave us renewed confidence during what had been an extremely stressful time for the family. What had seemed an endless and difficult process was finally brought to a successful conclusion through their efforts. We are immensely grateful to Rachel and Jennifer and would have no hesitation in recommending Howes Percival to anyone seeking knowledgeable, dependable and highly professional legal representation. Thank you both for making such a meaningful difference to our family.'

- Client testimonial

'My life was in an extremely challenging situation when I reached out to Howes Percival. From initial conversation to the conclusion of my case at mediation, Anna and everyone involved delivered highly professional guidance but equally as important, did so with understanding and compassion. The outcome allowed me to regenerate in every sense and begin again with hope. Superb practice.'

- Mrs W

'You've been the best advisors and professional support we could have hoped for.'

- Client testimonial

'Thank you so very much to each of you, for the tremendous roles of you had as individuals and as a team yesterday, in steering me through the emotional minefield that was our day. I always felt in very safe hands, knowing I was able to fully-trust your advice, and at times, gentle persuasion, buoyed by encouragement and humour, which definitely diffused the tension.'

- Client testimonial

'As I begin a new life, I will forever remember your roles in this. When I find my space, I will be certain to let you know, in the hope you will take with you through your careers just how important your professionalism and kindness has been in helping those in need to turn around our lives.'

- Client testimonial

Get in touch

To contact us, please fill out this form and we will get back in touch as soon as possible. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found here.

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

City / Town

Email Address

Service required (if known)

Greener Litigation is an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of dispute resolution.

We are a signatory to the Greener Litigation Pledge which means, amongst other things, that we take all reasonable steps to reduce our environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Contentious Trust and Probate

Guides