• Contesting a Will, challenging probate or disputing an inheritance can be stressful and complex. Our team of specialist trust and estate litigation solicitors understands that starting legal action is often a last resort and will handle your matter with sensitivity.

    How can our specialist team help?

    As one of the few legal teams in Kent specialising in contentious Wills, trusts and probate, our team have many years’ experience in advising and representing individuals in all manner of issues arising out of inheritance dispute and always seek to resolve matters using the most practical and cost-effective methods. 

    Disputes about Wills, Estates and Inheritance

    When a person dies, the contents of their Will (or the absence of a Will) can sometimes be surprising to family and friends who are left behind. That may be because the testator did not understand what the effect of the Will was,  they were unduly influenced to make it, or it may be because there was an expectation that the testator would leave their estate in a particular way, which they did not in the end do. This can give rise to disagreements and there may be circumstances where the Will or inheritance can be disputed. They are as follows:

    • Trust disputes

      Whether you are a beneficiary or a trustee, our team specialises in cases whereby a dispute has arisen with a trust, including:

      • Disputes about the validity of a trust
      • Disputes about the meaning of a trust document
      • Breach of Trust claims
      • Applications to remove or replace trustees
      • Matters concerning the disclosure of trust documents and information
      • Applications to the court on behalf of trustees for directions or approval of trustee’s actions
      • Disputes about jointly owned land and property

      Other estate related disputes

      • Disputes about the validity of lifetime transactions made by a now deceased, or vulnerable person
      • Burial disputes
      • Professional negligence claims against Will drafters and estate planners
      • Disputes about care home fees

      Recognition of our expertise

      Head of the team and Partner Deborah Cain is ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ and Solicitor Jennifer Alderman is ranked as ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in leading legal guide The Legal 500 2024 directory for ‘contentious trusts and probate’. The guide, which is based on feedback from over 300,000 clients worldwide, published numerous client quotes about the team including:

      ‘They are outstanding in their ability to attribute the law as it applies and to see the nuances of complex cases. Their advice has been invaluable to me.’

      ‘Deborah Cain was extremely sharp and knowledgeable of what she was doing. This was only confounded when seeing her communications / dealings of my case. She worked extremely efficiently and never left a stone unturned or angle overlooked.’

      ‘Deborah Cain is an extremely good contentious probate lawyer. She has a great talent in ensuring that her client’s case is put as fully and firmly as possible but gives measured advice to clients in respect of realistic outcomes.’

      In the team we have members of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists who are an established association for lawyers specialising in contentious trust and probate work.

      Our Private Client team is also ranked consistently in the top guides to law firms, achieving the top tier in the ‘Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate’ category in The Legal 500 and Band 2 in the area of private wealth law in Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.

      Brachers’ Head of Private Client, Christopher Eriksson-Lee, is ranked as the only top tier lawyer for private wealth law in Kent in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.

      Find out more about Wills, trusts and probate disputes

      If you would like some guidance on any issues involving Wills, trusts, probate or inheritance, then please get in touch with our team of specialist lawyers, by completing our contact form to the right of the page or alternatively you can call us on 01622 690691.

      Alternatively, for more information, take a look at our Wills and probate disputes FAQs.

  • Get in touch

    Please fill out the below form or alternatively you can call us on 01622 690691

    Contact form

      By submitting an enquiry through 'get in touch' your data will only be used to contact you regarding your enquiry. If you subscribe to any of our newsletters, you can unsubscribe any time using the link in the email. Please view our privacy statement for more information
  • Expertise

Key Contacts - Wills, Trusts and Probate Disputes Solicitors:

Meet the Team:

  • They can draw on knowledge across their departments, referred clients are reassured by excellent communication and a pragmatic approach.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • They are outstanding in their ability to attribute the law as it applies and to see the nuances of complex cases. Their advice has been invaluable to me.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • A really knowledgeable team who are extremely competent and efficient.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • The contentious probate team is backed by a strong private client team, this provides extra depth to both their contentious and non-contentious teams.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • Deborah Cain is friendly and very approachable – we are pleased that she is working for us, not against us! We have a fantastic relationship with her and received excellent advice with a very difficult issue – she listens, understands and advises.

    Client quote
  • Patient and very understanding – Jennifer Alderman put me at ease, making me feel positive about the future.

    The Legal 500 2023
  • Great team. Very innovative and progressive. Never standing still and always forming new alliances within the sector and arranging first class training events.

    The Legal 500 2023
  • Deborah Cain is absolutely first-class. Approachable and practical in her approach, but an excellent lawyer and great guide through the litigation process for bereaved clients.

    The Legal 500 2023