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Personal or professional, sometimes there are occasions when disputes simply can’t be avoided. If you’re caught up in litigation, we understand you want an expert team of contentious probate lawyers on your side to help protect your position and achieve the best outcome.

Our award winning contentious probate solicitors are top-rated by independent legal services guides Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and are known for the breadth and depth of our national client base and our unrivalled knowledge. As one of the largest and strongest litigation teams across the North of England, we’re recognised for our commitment to our clients and our understanding of their needs, for our tactically sophisticated and pragmatic advice and our cutting edge approach to litigation.

Disputes over wills, inheritance and estates are a particular specialism, having acted for numerous clients on these matters. Our experience in dealing with these matters means we are well placed to support succession planning; drafting wills which seek to minimise potential sources of conflict and future estate disputes. Our team have specialist qualifications (ACTAPS) in this niche area of law, complimenting our broad experience.

Sometimes court isn’t the only solution, and our team of inheritance dispute solicitors are experienced at handling mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, offering a cost-effective and timely alternative. If your case does reach court, you can be assured of our proven trial experience and successful track record.

Our trusts and probate dispute solicitors also understand that dispute resolution has the potential to be a large financial undertaking. We have a wealth of financial provision experience, putting in place innovative cost solutions, including no-win, no fee agreements, which enable clients to manage risk and litigate from a position of strength.

If you’re entering a dispute, you need a proactive, experienced team in your corner to deliver the very best outcome for you. We’re right here and ready to help.

Our services
  • Contested estates and trusts
  • Contractual disputes
  • Defamation
  • Director and Shareholder disputes
  • Disputed wills
  • Financial service disputes
  • Fire claims
  • Injunctions
  • Insurance disputes
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Investment disputes
  • IT claims
  • Pensions disputes
  • Private wealth disputes
  • Professional negligence

Contact a specialist

Martin Woodford

Partner | Commercial Litigation

+44 (0) 330 137 3319

+44 (0)791 232 8152

Email Martin Woodford

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Gaynor Jackson

Consultant | Wills, trusts and legacies

+44 (0) 330 137 3344

Email Gaynor Jackson

Read bio

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What people say

  • Gaynor Jackson is one of the most experienced advisers I use. I trust her views wholly. Gaynor is always happy to give initial and sound advice, enabling my clients to make informed decisions

    Legal 500, client quote
  • Nichola Evans is hugely experienced in her relevant sector. Able to grasp and communicate complex issues. Her sure-footed and patient guidance through unfamiliar Court processes and proceedings inspires confidence. Complete professional

    Legal 500
  • I have known Andrew Evans for many years, and he has a very personal approach with clients, which is well received. This, together with his knowledge and experience, means more often then not, the clients have received very good advice and service.

    Legal 500
  • I work extensively with Andrew Evans who is a great sounding board for wills, trusts and other family wealth issues; he is very thorough. He quickly builds a good rapport with clients, who are often going through a difficult time; he’s a very good listener too, just who you need at such difficult times. I recommend him highly and know he will always do a good job.

    Legal 500
  • Ward Hadaway are helpful and collaborative in many ways, from helping with drafting wills & trusts to the more complicated issues surrounding Inheritance Tax rules in the UK – nothing is too much trouble for them, irrespective of the size of the client; that’s something you don’t see in other regional firms.

    Legal 500
  • Andrew Evans is extremely easy to deal with and has a lovely way with clients.

    Legal 500
  • Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. They give full disclosure of costs and will go that extra mile to help clients.

    Legal 500
  • Andrew Evans has an excellent manner with his clients and can deal with clients of all types, both corporate and individuals.

    Legal 500
  • A large firm; however, you feel that you are still dealing with a local practice that is very client-orientated

    Legal 500

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