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Robust Resolution For Wills & Inheritance Disputes: firm advocacy and strategic clarity to protect your rightful inheritance.
"Highly professional and experienced, fast acting, responsive and reassuring."
Rachael
Expert Navigation of Complex & High-Value Probate: our specialist solicitors handle intricate probate matters and tax complexities efficiently.
Specialist dispute solicitors representing beneficiaries, executors and trustees in high-value Will, Inheritance & Probate disputes and breaches of trust.
Based in London’s financial heart, Staple Inn Notaries provides premier legal and notarial services. We handle overseas authentication, apostilles and property documents with elite efficiency - offering same-day service.
Our expert team is dedicated to delivering precision and absolute confidentiality in every matter we handle.
Your Initial Consultation
We are happy to assist international clients who require UK notarisation for use overseas.
OUR PROCESS
Our Simple 3-Step Process
Tell Us What's Happened
Complete the short form or call us. We capture the essentials in confidence and book a free consultation with a senior solicitor.
Step 1
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
Step 3
Together, we create a clear strategy to protect assets, resolve disputes efficiently and safeguard your family's future providing full timelines & costs
Agree Timelines & Costs
Explain Your Options
Step 2
We assess the strength of your claim or defence and provide advice on the available options.
We assess the strength of your claim or defence and provide advice on the available options.
Your Initial
Consultation
City of London
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
73 Watling Street,
EC4M 9BJ
Farringdon
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
29 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 8HN
Soho
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
11 Golden Square, Soho,
W1F 9JB
Clerkenwell Office
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
29 Clerkenwell Road, Farringdon, EC1M 5RN
Our expert notary services are more accessible than ever. Visit us at our 4 central London locations for fast, professional document authentication.
OUR SERVICES
We represent trustees, executors and beneficiaries in a wide range of disputes. Whether you are bringing a claim or defending one, our team delivers clear, strategic advice, alongside strong representation.
As members of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), we are recognised for resolving disputes swiftly, often without the need for a contested court hearing.
Contentious Probate Solicitors
We advise on:
High Net Worth Divorce
This may involve:
Complex trusts and estates require specialist expertise.
Our Private Wealth Disputes team works with leading counsel, forensic accountants and international advisers to protect the full value of business, investment, agricultural and international assets, ensuring nothing is overlooked, undervalued or improperly distributed.
As Partner and Head of Private Wealth and Succession Planning at Lawrence Stephens, Gareth has over 20 years' experience protecting and preserving client wealth.
Gareth advises high-net-worth individuals on estate and tax planning, complex wills, trusts and probate - including cross-border matters involving estates exceeding £75 million.
Gareth Hughes
Partner - Head of Private Wealth
Rekha Toor
Rekha is a Senior Associate specialising in contentious trusts and probate at Lawrence Stephens.
A full member of both ACTAPS and ConTra, Rekha advises on Will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, executor removal and cross-border estate matters - always seeking resolution through mediation before pursuing court proceedings.
Senior Associate - Head of Contentious Trusts and Probate
Ebony works as a Paralegal in the Private Wealth and Succession Planning team at Lawrence Stephens.
A University of Liverpool LLB graduate, she completed her LPC LLM with commendation at the University of Law and brings a diligent, client-focused approach to supporting the team across private wealth and succession matters.
Paralegal
Meet Our Private Wealth Team
WHO WE ARE...
Our dedicated team of legal professionals combine years of experience with a tireless commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for every client we serve.
"By far the best legal firm we have worked with. They are on the ball, great at communication and available on the phone.
This law firm stands out by miles and miles!
Can not recommend this firm enough!"
Bimal B
'Best Legal Firm'
What Others Say...
What Others Say...
"[The] exceptional team have provided us with outstanding solicitor services, exceeding all our expectations.
[They] meticulously guided us through every step of the process, was always available to answer questions and clarify any doubts"
Tushar A
'Exceptional Team'
"Exceptional service, I cannot recommend Lawrence Stephens law firm enough.
They handled my case with professionalism, expertise and a keen attention to detail"
Mark M
'Outstanding work'
PROVEN EXPERTISE
With over 120 five-star Google reviews, our clients consistently praise our clear advice, decisive action and compassionate approach. Read their experiences and see why they trust Lawrence Stephens with their most important legal matters.
Zafar & Co Solicitors
13th Floor,
City Tower,
Manchester
M1 4BT, United Kingdom
Email: info@zafar.legal
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common contentious probate questions and gain the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your dispute with confidence.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
A Will can be challenged on several grounds, including: the person who made the Will (the testator) lacked mental capacity at the time, the Will was made under undue influence from another person, the Will was not properly signed or witnessed in accordance with the law, or the testator was subject to fraud or forgery. We can assess the strength of your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
Strict time limits apply. The Inheritance Act 1975 says that claims must usually be issued within six months of the Grant of Probate. Other claims (e.g. proprietary estoppel, breach of trust) have longer limitation periods but evidence becomes harder to obtain over time. We recommend taking advice as early as possible - ideally before Grant is issued, so that a caveat can be lodged.
Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, certain people - including spouses, former spouses, children and those who were financially dependent on the deceased - can apply to the court for reasonable financial provision from the estate, even if the Will (or intestacy rules) has excluded them. There are strict time limits for making such a claim, so it is important to take advice promptly.
Not necessarily. Many contentious probate disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation - which is often faster, less expensive and less damaging to family relationships than litigation. We will always explore all options for reaching a resolution without court proceedings. However, where litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our team has the experience to represent you robustly.
Yes. We can lodge a caveat at the Probate Registry, which prevents a Grant being issued for six months (and can be renewed). This buys time to investigate the Will, request the solicitor's file and put the executor on notice before assets are distributed.
We act for trustees and executors as well as beneficiaries. If you are facing allegations of mismanagement, breach of trust or are being threatened with removal, early legal advice is essential. We can help you understand your duties and obligations, respond to claims effectively and protect yourself from personal liability.
Costs depend on the complexity of your case and how it is resolved. We are transparent about costs from the outset. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation and will then provide clear guidance on likely costs before you commit to any course of action. In some cases, costs can be recovered from the estate. We will always advise on funding options that are appropriate to your circumstances.
- Banking
- Construction
- Corporate and Commercial
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Family
- Immigration
- Private Wealth
- Real Estate/Real Estate Finance
- Restructuring and Insolvency
- Tax
Our Accreditations and Memberships
Visit one of our four central London locations for identity verification and signature witnessing.
We certify original documents and provide notarial seals for international use. Legal advice, drafting, and reviewing are not provided.
To ensure a successful meeting, pease bring valid government-issued photo ID and your completed, unsigned paperwork.
Book Your Free
Initial Consultation
Contact us 24 hours a day – we will get back to you to discuss your matter.
We are happy to assist international clients who require UK notarisation for overseas.
Our central London offices provides same-day notarisation.
We are able to work with the Foreign Office and expedite Hague Apostille services - this ensures your time-sensitive transactions proceed without delay.
Our Notary Appointments
Our Simple
Our expert notary services are more accessible than ever.
Visit us at our 6 central London locations for fast, professional document authentication.
Choose Your
Location
Holborn WC1
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
Shoreditch EC2
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
Farringdon EC1
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
King's Cross WC1
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
City of London EC4
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
Choose Your Location
LOCAL OR MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES
Contentious Probate Solicitors
Complex Trust & Estate Disputes
Meet Our Notary
All Legal Services:
Notary
Appointments
Your Initial Consultation is a dedicated session designed to turn legal uncertainty into a decisive plan of action for your inheritance dispute or complex probate matter.
During this consultation, you will receive a professional assessment of your case based on the information provided. We will tailor a legal road map outlining the steps we would need to take. It will include transparency regarding potential timelines and costs - giving you clarity and confidence to take control of your case.
SAME DAY NOTARY APPOINTMENTS
We are happy to assist international clients who require UK notarisation for overseas.
Call Us:
Speak with a Solicitor TODAY
Our Notary Team
What Others Say...
London
Staple Inn Notaries
Speak with a Notary TODAY
Call Us:
Speak with a Solicitor TODAY!
Call Us:
Staple Inn Notaries provides expert authentication for international documents. We ensure your property, visa, and personal paperwork meets foreign legal standards for seamless, global acceptance.
Accreditations & Memberships
Telephone:
Email:
Telephone:
Email:
Chancery Lane
Our experienced team of top divorce lawyers will guide you through the process of divorce or separation, protecting your interests every step of the way. Our expertise in resolving both financial issues and arrangements for children is reflected in our ranking as one of London’s best divorce law teams.
Fox Court, 14 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8HN
Head Office
Breach of trust claims
Complex business valuations, company assets and shareholdings
When a marriage ends, your financial future shouldn't be left to chance.
Our specialist family team provides clear, strategic advice to secure the settlement you deserve — with discretion, authority and a genuine commitment to resolution over conflict.
Robust Resolution For Wills & Inheritance Disputes: firm advocacy and strategic clairty to protect your rightful inheritance.
Based in London’s financial heart, Staple Inn Notaries provides premier legal and notarial services. We handle overseas authentication, apostilles and property documents with elite efficiency - offering same-day service.
Our expert team is dedicated to delivering precision and absolute confidentiality in every matter we handle.
Your Initial Consultation
We are happy to assist international clients who require UK notarisation for use overseas.
OUR PROCESS
Your Initial Consultation provides a professional assessment of your inheritance dispute or probate matter. We will tailor a legal road map outlining steps towards resolution.
You'll also receive transparent advice on potential timelines and costs - giving you clarity and confidence to take control of your case.
We are happy to assist international clients who require UK notarisation for overseas.
Our Notary Appointments
Your Initial
Appointments
Divorce is one of the most significant financial events of your life and the right first conversation makes all the difference.
In your initial consultation, an experienced Family Team member will assess your full situation and leave you with a clear picture of your legal position, a realistic view of what a fair outcome looks like and a tailored strategy.
OUR PROCESS
Speak with a Solicitor TODAY!
Call Us:
3-step Process
This may involve:
High net worth divorce cases require specific expertise. Where significant assets are involved - businesses, investment portfolios, offshore holdings or multiple properties - the stakes are high and the financial complexity considerable.
Our family team has extensive experience protecting the interests of high net worth individuals, ensuring nothing is undervalued, overlooked or conceded unnecessarily.
High-New Worth Divorce
Complex trusts and estates require specialist expertise.
Working alongside leading counsel, forensic accountants and international advisors, we protect the full value of all assets, ensuring nothing is overlooked or undervalued.
Complex business valuations, company assets and shareholdings
Complex Trust & Estate Disputes
Partner and Head of Private Wealth and Succession Planning at Lawrence Stephens - Gareth - has over 20 years' experience protecting and preserving client wealth.
He advises high-net-worth individuals on estate and tax planning, complex wills, trusts and probate - including cross-border matters involving estates exceeding £75 million.
Gareth Hughes
Partner - Head of Private Wealth
Rekha Toor
Rekha is a Senior Associate specialising in contentious trusts and probate at Lawrence Stephens.
A full member of ACTAPS and ConTra, she advises on Will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, executor removal and cross-border estate matters.
Senior Associate - Head of Contentious Trusts and Probate
Ebony works as a Paralegal in the Private Wealth and Succession Planning team at Lawrence Stephens.
A University of Liverpool LLB graduate, she completed her LPC LLM with commendation at the University of Law and brings a diligent, client-focused approach to supporting the team across private wealth and succession matters.
Paralegal
Meet Our Family Team
WHO WE ARE
Our dedicated team of legal professionals combines decades of experience with a tireless commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for every client we serve.
Meet Our Notary
Our Private Wealth Team
Zafar & Co Solicitors
13th Floor,
City Tower,
Manchester
M1 4BT, United Kingdom
Email: info@zafar.legal
- Banking
- Construction
- Corporate and Commercial
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Family
- Immigration
- Private Wealth
- Real Estate/Real Estate Finance
- Resturcting and Insolvency
- Tax
All Legal Services:
50 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3HE
Lawrence Stephens Ltd
Telephone:
Email:
Lawrence Stephens Solicitors
50 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3HE
Tel:
Email:
From your very first contact, we will make sure you feel informed, supported and clear on the steps ahead. Our approach is built around 3 simple stages designed to guide you with confidence and clarity.
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors TODAY!
Solicitors
Consultation
Lawrence Stephens Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA No. 806802 and is a company registered in England & Wales, Company No. 12165148.
Lawrence Stephens Ltd
Lawrence Stephens Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA No. 806802, and is a company registered in England & Wales, Company No. 12165148.
50 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3HE
Expert Navigation Of Complex & High-Value Probate: our specialist solicitors handle probate matters and tax complexities efficiently.
Specialist Solicitors for Contested Wills, Trusts and Estates.
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors TODAY!
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors TODAY!
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors TODAY!
Inheritance Act claims
Contesting the validity or interpretation of a Will
Mismanagement of assets by an attorney under an LPA
Removal of an executor or trustee
Offshore, overseas and multi-jurisdictional estates
Trust restructuringing and removal of professional trustees
Forensic financial disclosure where transparency is disputed
Offshore, overseas and multi-jurisdictional estates
Forensic financial disclosure
High-value Inheritance Act claims
Breach of trust claims
Inheritance Act claims
Contesting a Will
Mismanagement of a trust or estate
Mismanagement of trust or estate
Removal of a executor or trustee
Mismanagement by an LPA Attorney
We advise on:
We advise on:
Issuing and warning off caveats
Representing executors in defending claims against an estate
High-value Inheritance Act provision claims
Decisive Legal Support When You Need It Most: senior specialist solicitors exclusively to contentious trust, estate and probate law.
Specialist Solicitors for Wills, Probate & Inheritance Disputes
Issuing and warning off caveats
Defending estate claims for executors
We represent trustees, executors and beneficiaries in trust and probate disputes.
Whether bringing or defending a claim, you'll recieve clear, strategic advice from ACTAPS-accredited specialists focused on achieving swift, effective resolutions.
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors
TODAY!
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors
TODAY!
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors
TODAY!
Call Us:
Speak with our Private Wealth Solicitors
TODAY!
Call Us:
Decisive Legal Support When You Need It Most: senior specialist solicitors dedicated exclusively to contentious trust, estate and probate law.
Burial disputes
Burial disputes
A Will can be challenged on several grounds, including: the person who made the Will (the testator) lacked mental capacity at the time, the Will was made under undue influence from another person, the Will was not properly signed or witnessed in accordance with the law, or the testator was subject to fraud or forgery. We can assess the strength of your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
Strict time limits apply. The Inheritance Act 1975 says that claims must usually be issued within six months of the Grant of Probate. Other claims (e.g. proprietary estoppel, breach of trust) have longer limitation periods but evidence becomes harder to obtain over time. We recommend taking advice as early as possible - ideally before Grant is issued, so that a caveat can be lodged.
Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, certain people - including spouses, former spouses, children and those who were financially dependent on the deceased - can apply to the court for reasonable financial provision from the estate, even if the Will (or intestacy rules) has excluded them. There are strict time limits for making such a claim, so it is important to take advice promptly.
Not necessarily. Many contentious probate disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation - which is often faster, less expensive and less damaging to family relationships than litigation. We will always explore all options for reaching a resolution without court proceedings. However, where litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our team has the experience to represent you robustly.
Yes. We can lodge a caveat at the Probate Registry, which prevents a Grant being issued for six months (and can be renewed). This buys time to investigate the Will, request the solicitor's file and put the executor on notice before assets are distributed.
We act for trustees and executors as well as beneficiaries. If you are facing allegations of mismanagement, breach of trust or are being threatened with removal, early legal advice is essential. We can help you understand your duties and obligations, respond to claims effectively and protect yourself from personal liability.
Costs depend on the complexity of your case and how it is resolved. We are transparent about costs from the outset. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation and will then provide clear guidance on likely costs before you commit to any course of action. In some cases, costs can be recovered from the estate. We will always advise on funding options that are appropriate to your circumstances.