Wills & Trusts Disputes

“Wilsons has impressive breadth and depth. They have a very high quantity of legacy disputes and so they have seen everything in this area.”

Chambers, 2027

“I can't speak highly enough about their litigation practices, which are virtually synonymous with charities' litigation in this country.”

Chambers, 2027

“This firm works with all the major charities and has a broad knowledge of all the types of charity legacy disputes that come up.”

Legal 500, 2027

“A thorough understanding of the commercial and reputational considerations that are relevant to charitable clients is matched by their knowledge and expertise in the contentious probate arena.”

Legal 500, 2027

“The team provides strong and reliable support for the charity legacy sector with great wills, trusts, and estate administration services. There is breadth and depth in the team, across both contentious and non-contentious issues. They are approachable and friendly, understand our internal governance processes, and some of the quirks that come with charitable clients.'”

Legal 500, 2027

“Wilsons have an excellent understanding of the needs of charities in respect of both contentious and non-contentious probate matters where charities are either beneficiaries or executors. They have a unique understanding of the complex issues charities have to consider, including the PR implications when dealing with delicate contentious matters.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“Wilsons have one of the most extraordinary charity client bases I have encountered. Their advice is pinpoint accurate and they take a very commercial approach to litigation.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“Wilsons is a regional firm with a London profile. They are flexible, have great in-house expertise and are also very calm under pressure.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“There's nobody quite like them in that they forge this extraordinary reputation in the market.”

Chambers, 2026

“Wilsons is able to put themselves in the charity's shoes and understand the risk/benefits which are prevalent in the charity sector.”

Chambers, 2026

“Wilsons is very good, very professional, very knowledgeable.”

Chambers, 2026

“Wilsons is very friendly and approachable.”

Chambers, 2026

“The probate team is exemplary in dealing with administration cases and the contentious team has a depth of specialism second to none.”

Legal 500, 2026

“Strong and experienced team with significant experience in dealing with charity related estate administration and probate matters. A very high level of knowledge of issues affecting registered charities and strong governance advice.”

Legal 500, 2027

“The charity team has built up a formidable reputation for excellence in advising across the whole area of charity law, from probate to contentious matters.”

Legal 500, 2026

“This is a fantastic team. What really marks them out is the depth of their client-base: they act for seemingly all the major national charities dealing with the simplest claims up to the most complex ones.”

Legal 500, 2027

“Both the charities and the contentious trusts and probate teams at Wilsons are thoroughly excellent.”

Legal 500, 2026

“Detailed understanding of law relating to charities and particularly mindful of consideration of reputational issues affecting charity brands.”

Legal 500, 2026

Pragmatic, expert guidance

The members of our specialist team are widely recognised as leaders in this field, offering strength in depth and a truly bespoke approach for clients facing difficulties of any kind concerning an estate or a trust, whether in this country or offshore.

A seamless service

Our best work is confidential, as we resolve the vast majority of our cases without the expense or risk of a court hearing.

In cases where this has not been possible, we have a proven track record and are at the cutting edge of the developing law.  Examples of cases we have handled include:

 

Ilott v Blue Cross & OrsThe Supreme Court's first ever ruling on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, where we acted for the successful appellant charities.
King v DubreyThe leading case on gifts made in contemplation of death (donations mortis causa) where we acted for the successful appellants.
Rubin v EurofinanceThe Supreme Court's leading decision on the common law rules regarding enforcement of foreign bankruptcy orders.  We acted for the successful intervener.
RNLI v HeadleyProvides clear guidance on the requirement for trustees to provide accounts to beneficiaries, where we acted for the successful applicants.
Kell v JonesProvides clear guidance on when a solicitor's mistake in drafting a will can be fixed by rectification, and when the solicitor must pay damages to remedy the problem.  We acted for the successful defendants.

Working for individuals, professionals and charities, we liaise closely with our colleagues in our Tax & Trusts, Landed & Historic Estates and Probate teams to provide a complete and seamless service.