Wills & Trusts Disputes

“"Wilsons has a range of experts at the firm. They know their clients very well and how to represent them in contentious or complex issues."”

Chambers HNW 2025

“Wilsons have excellent technical knowledge in the charities context.”

Chambers HNW 2025

“Wilsons has excellent fee earners dealing with both contentious and non-contentious matters.”

Chambers HNW 2025

“The Wilsons team is consistently reliable, providing a wealth and breadth of expertise.”

Chambers, 2025

“Wilsons' reputation in charity litigation is second to none.”

Chambers, 2025

“The team is well-recognised as the go-to firm to represented charities and charitable trustees in trusts and estate disputes. They provide real depth of experience in this field which is invaluable in ensuring the best outcome for their clients.”

Legal 500, 2025

“A team dedicated to service their clients at the highest level. Balanced and considered advice, with an exceptional knowledge of the charity sector, its needs and concerns when dealing with contentious matters.”

Legal 500, 2025

“The Wilsons Trusts and Estates team are probably the best outside of London. They routinely have high value, complex trusts and estates work in the High Court. It is always a pleasure to be instructed by them.”

Legal 500, 2025

“A clear understanding of the workload and the specific needs of charities, both in relation to advice and maintaining excellent communications throughout a matter.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Their advice is key to ensuring that a charity’s trustees are aware of the legal issues and the options open to the charity, vital for the organisation to understand the issues and make an informed decision.”

Legal 500, 2025

“The whole team have a consistent message and communications process for clients. Response times are excellent and their attention to detail throughout a case from initial instruction to conclusion.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Experienced team with particular knowledge and experience of the additional issues that can arise when acting for large charities.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Head and shoulders above the pack in understanding the needs of charities in both financial and PR terms. Advice is clear, concise and reflects the needs of the client.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Wilsons have the strongest charities client base in the country and regularly act for well-known charities in trusts and estate litigation. They are uniquely placed in the market both in terms of experience and expertise.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Wilsons has a well-deserved reputation for disputes involving charities. They combine commercial acumen with deep subject-matter expertise.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Superb team with a practice which competes with the top London firms. They have been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in this area in recent years.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Charlotte Watts and James Aspden are experienced and provide practical advice for their clients. They provide straightforward and commercial advice and their charitable clients have confidence in their work and respect their judgement.”

Legal 500, 2025

“Wilsons have a well-deserved and earned reputation in the charity sector. They have real subject matter expertise.”

Legal 500, 2025

“They have a unique understanding of the needs of charities; not just the legal aspect but also how Trustees need to be advised – their written and verbal advice reflects this. They manage to home in on the critical points of a case, advise accordingly and ensure that all points are covered.”

Legal 500, 2024

“An ongoing development of excellent service for charities covering all areas and ensuring advice covers all areas of charity law and governance and compliance. Their complete package for charity clients is superb.”

Legal 500, 2024

“Excellent guidance and advice in respect of contentious matters and the needs of the charities and its trustees.”

Legal 500, 2024

“This is a team with all the expertise and experience of a London firm. The lawyers are experienced and clever and have real expertise in the area.”

Legal 500, 2024

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 & TrustsLanded & Historic Estates and Probate teams to provide a complete and seamless service.