SERVICE

Contentious trusts

INTRODUCTION

Contentious private client disputes, which often involve challenges to trusts and wills, are becoming increasingly prevalent. These disputes are often international in nature and involve a consideration of complex arrangements which have been established over many years.

Our specialist team has extensive experience on advising on a wide array of private client disputes. We have particular experience advising all parties to trust and estate disputes, including removals of trustees, protectors and personal representatives, Public Trustee v Cooper applications, and breach of trust and fiduciary duty claims. We also have extensive experience advising on probate claims, as well as capacity and charity disputes.

We have developed niche expertise in cases involving allegations of fraud, such as situations where assets have been dissipated by a trusted advisor. In urgent scenarios, we provide critical advice to maximise recovery prospects, often through personal and proprietary freezing injunctions, ancillary disclosure orders and disclosure orders against third parties implicated in the fraud. Where advice on potential criminal remedies is required, we collaborate with leading law firms that specialise in this area.

We pride ourselves on identifying our clients’ objectives at an early stage and crafting strategies that meet those goals efficiently and cost-effectively. Where disputes proceed to trial, we have experience dealing with cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court (and Privy Council), as well as equivalent international courts.  Our team frequently collaborates with the firm’s renowned private capital group, whose specialists excel in international tax planning and succession matters. Additionally, we maintain an extensive network of contacts with law firms and professionals across all major offshore jurisdictions.

By leveraging our deep expertise and comprehensive network, we ensure that our clients receive the highest standard of advice and support in resolving their complex disputes.

Our people

Get in touch

Partner

Sofie Hoffman

Contentious trusts
Partner

Charles Lloyd

Private client
Managing Associate

Richard Hoggart

Private client

Testimonials

What people say

Sofie Hoffman does an excellent job for clients – more than capable of managing both the mediation and negotiation side of proceedings.”

The Legal 500

Sofie Hoffman has been excellent at focusing on the important issues, while also navigating some very sensitive personal/relationship complexities between the various parties to the litigation.”

The Legal 500

The team is very thorough and knowledgeable, on a par with the best.”

The Legal 500

The team dealt with the extremely tricky issues in a knowledgeable, constructive and commercial manner. The turnaround times have also been very good, especially when considering the complexities.”

Chambers HNW

The firm has a cohesive team, able to advise on complex matters that span multiple areas of law. There is always a colleague available to discuss time-sensitive matters: my calls never go unanswered.”

Chambers HNW

I was blown away by the experience, knowledge and attitude of all the Harbottle lawyers we spoke to, who were all incredibly wise and helpful. Meetings with them were clear, upbeat and encouraging.”

Chambers HNW

Charles is a brilliant litigator, incredibly clever and accessible. He is also meticulously careful.”

Chambers HNW

He’s immensely experienced; he’s seen and done it all. He’s completely unflappable and makes the right strategic calls.”

Chambers HNW

I appreciate his calm demeanour and very sound judgement.”

Chambers HNW