Disputed Wills and Inheritance Claims

Contentious Trusts, Probate and Inheritance Act Claims

The loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult, and the added stress of family disputes over their estate can be overwhelming. Navigating the complexities of the legal administration of an estate after a bereavement requires sensitive and practical legal support. With many years’ experience acting for claimants and defendants, beneficiaries and executors, administrators and trustees, our inheritance solicitors have a well rounded view of these disputes.

We recognise that family disputes over inheritance, wills and trusts, including cases involving contesting a will, can be deeply upsetting and expensive. Our team of contentious probate solicitors are committed to providing sensitive and practical advice, prioritising out-of-court resolutions through negotiation and mediation to minimise both the emotional and financial burden.

Our inheritance dispute solicitors deal with a range of situations including:

  • Applications for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
  • Challenges to the validity of wills, claims for rectification or disputes about the correct interpretation of wills or trusts
  • Claims against trustees for breach of trust or applications to remove or replace trustees or personal representatives
  • The recovery of lifetime gifts made as a result of ‘undue influence’
  • Claims for equitable relief in relation to trusts
  • Disputes in relation to the administration of an estate
  • Applications to the Court of Protection in respect of attorneyships or deputyships.

To speak to a specialist contentious probate litigation solicitor about resolving your will, inheritance or trust dispute, contact us now by calling 01483 887766, email us or start a live chat.

Talk to a Legal Expert Today

Kerry Dunn

Barrister

Barrister

Kerry Dunn

Kerry is a barrister in our Woking office.

Kerry was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1999. She practised at 3 Stone Buildings (now Three Stone following a merger) until 2018 when she took a planned career break to spend time with her young family. During her time at the Bar, she specialised in private client work, both contentious and non-contentious. She has a wealth of experience advising on: trusts and estates; Wills, LPAs, probate and family provision (1975 Act claims); related inheritance taxation and professional negligence claims; Court of Protection and Elder Law; and co-ownership disputes.

An experienced litigator and advocate, Kerry also qualified as a mediator in 2008 and is keen to work with clients to find sensible, cost-effective solutions to problems as they arise. She is experienced at advising clients across the spectrum, including HNW and UHNW clients.

Kerry was a full member of STEP from 2005 to 2017 and will be reactivating her membership in due course. She was a committee member of the STEP Mental Capacity SIG from 2016-2017.

Kerry is keen to give back to the community and was on the panel for the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now Advocate) from 2006-2017, volunteered at Surrey Law Centre and at Refugee Action Kingston. She is happy to give talks to the wider community, including care settings and at local schools.

What do Kerry's clients say?

"The professionalism, empathy and sensitivity of Kerry Dunn and her team was at a level that we have never encountered before. The first meeting lasted over two hours and not a moment was wasted... As matters stand, one day Hart Brown will be the sole trustee of a trust for one of our sons. Our experience so far gives us confidence that our son will be in good hands."

"...it’s such a relief. I feel like a big shadow has been lifted and I can move on. Thank you for all your help. I knew the instant I spoke to you that you were the right person to help us. I appreciated your understanding and compassion for our situation coupled with your extensive knowledge of the law and your no nonsense approach."

"We were treated very well. Kerry was so kind and understanding, could not have wished for better."

"Very thorough and clear, and responded well to my tight timetable and somewhat complex requirements."

    Simon Cook

    Consultant, Dispute Resolution

    Consultant, Dispute Resolution

    Simon Cook

    Simon joined Hart Brown in 2024 as a Consultant in our Dispute Resolution department.

    With extensive experience in the law, Simon was admitted as a solicitor in 1986 and has worked continuously in legal practice since then. Simon is also the holder of a degree in French.

    During his career, Simon has worked across many areas of law including criminal law, personal injury, insolvency, family law and civil litigation. Simon was a criminal Duty Solicitor for a number of years, also acting on an agency basis as an advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service. For 15 years, Simon was the Managing Partner of another legal practice.

    Latterly, Simon has concentrated on civil litigation work which mainly comprises property litigation, contentious probate and some commercial litigation.

    Simon's litigation work is concentrated in the County Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal.

      Yara Abdallah

      Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

      Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

      Yara Abdallah

      Yara is a Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team here at Hart Brown, having qualified in September 2024.

      Yara obtained her degree in Law in 2020 at the University of Surrey before completing her Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law in 2021 at the University of Law.

      Yara joined Hart Brown in 2022 and practices in property litigation, employment and commercial litigation.

      Yara is committed to understanding her client’s needs and providing efficient advice and solutions.

      Some client testimonials:

      "Many thanks for reaching a positive end to this matter so I have peace of mind at last. It was a pleasure having your assistance!"

      “Thank you again for going above and beyond to get this done for me.”

      “I’d like to make a special point of thanking Yara as well, she has been there too almost from the beginning! We have been lucky to have her.”

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