Wills and Estate Lawyers Newcastle

Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes

Disputes relating to a death, inheritance or trust can be complex and emotionally draining. They can include challenges to the validity of a Will, questions about the steps taken by personal representatives or trustees, and claims for greater provision to be made by an estate.

How we can help

Whether you’re defending or contesting a Will or an estate, we are highly experienced in dealing with disputes relating to all areas of Wills, estates, trusts and Court of Protection issues. We work with you, giving advice and support to resolve the difficult issues that arise with care and sensitivity.

You will be supported through every step of the process with our offering of a bespoke service, tailored to your individual needs.

We provide expert advice to beneficiaries, executors, administrators and trustees in relation to:

  • Contesting financial or other provisions made in a Will or as a result of intestacy
  • Challenging or defending the validity of a Will or Codicil, including claims based on a lack of proper formalities, lack of testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval and undue influence
  • A beneficiary’s right to information and documents, including accounts, inquiries and inventories
  • Inheritance disputes and claims for provision from an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
  • Proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims
  • Business disputes and management following the death of a partner or shareholder
  • Mental capacity and the Court of Protection
  • Disputes relating to obtaining the Grant, including caveats and limited Grants
  • Disputes arising from lifetime gifts
  • Claims for and against personal representatives, including breach of trust and removal and substitution
  • Trust disputes including trustee duties, breach of trust, and the removal of trustees
  • Claims against negligent professionals
  • Death and burial issues, including Coroners’ investigations and claims under the Fatal Accident Act 1976
  • Statutory Wills and uncontested applications
  • Negotiation and alternative dispute resolution

Sympathetic, clear and professional advice and support is vital to achieve the best possible result during what can be a challenging time.

Contact us to find out how we can help.

Legal 500

The team at Hay & Kilmer is responsive, approachable and skilled at making intricate legal issues accessible to clients.

Meet the team

Guy Barr
Guy is a litigation specialist with experience of advising clients in disputes involving a wide range of sectors and disciplines.
Bethany Herbertson
Bethany is an experienced Associate specialising in the resolution of disputes about trusts, estates and professional negligence

Expert commentary & updates

Estate planning after the Autumn Budget: What now?
Hay & Kilner's Wills, Trusts & Estates Team explains the Autumn Budget estate planning update, and what steps to take to protect your estate.
Putting compassion and expertise at the heart of Court of Protection work
Hay & Kilner's Court of Protection Team are dedicated to helping those who lack capacity through illness, disability or traumatic brain injury. Find out how they can help you.
Lasting Powers of Attorney: 5 common misconceptions and what you need to know
Hay & Kilner’s Wills, Trusts & Estates Team dispel 5 common misconceptions about lasting powers of attorney and explain what you need to know for effective estate planning.
A new era for estate planning: Inside the Wills Bill 2025
Felicity Nelson, from our Wills, Trusts & Estates Team, explains what the proposed Wills Bill 2025 could mean for Wills, inheritance and UK estate law.
Enduring Power of Attorney: What you need to know
Hay & Kilner’s Wills, Trusts & Estates Team explain what an Enduring Power of attorney is and how it differs from a Lasting Power of Attorney.
A guide to making Christmas gifts as an Attorney
Lucy Brown, from our Wills, Trusts & Estates Team, explores if you can make Christmas gifts on behalf of a loved one for whom you hold a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Financial Affairs.
Navigating foreign assets and estate planning: 5 key considerations
Tom Bridge, from our Wills, Trusts & Estates Team, explains how to manage foreign assets in your will and avoid cross-border inheritance complications.

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‘Hay & Kilner’ and ‘Hay & Kilner Law Firm’ are both trading names of Hay & Kilner LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC418767. Our registered office is at The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BZ and we are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Authorisation number 643191). We use the word ‘partner’ to refer to a member of Hay & Kilner LLP. A list of the members is available at our registered office.