Leeds Will, Trust & Probate Dispute Solicitors
Inheritance disputes are often emotionally charged and legally challenging. Our Leeds‑based probate dispute solicitors offer robust legal advice alongside a sensitive, supportive approach, helping you achieve a fair resolution and move forward with certainty.
Supporting you to reach the right outcome
Disputes over wills, trusts and estates can arise in any family. Whether you are questioning the validity of a will, dealing with disagreements over a family trust, or seeking provision from a loved one’s estate, our Leeds will, trust and probate dispute solicitors are here to guide you through the process.
A sensitive and personalised service
Disagreements about family wealth often emerge during periods of loss, when emotions are heightened and relationships may already be strained. Our experienced lawyers in Leeds take the time to understand your individual circumstances and objectives, providing advice that is tailored to you.
We recognise the far‑reaching impact these disputes can have and will support you through every stage with care, understanding and empathy.
Straightforward advice with practical outcomes
Whether you are acting as a beneficiary, executor, trustee or in your personal capacity, we focus on delivering clear advice and practical solutions. Our aim is to resolve matters efficiently and cost‑effectively, avoiding unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
We regularly achieve outcomes through negotiation or mediation, but if court proceedings become necessary, we will guide you through each step, clearly explaining the risks, timescales and costs involved.
How we can help
Our team advises on a broad range of will, trust and probate disputes, including:
- Disputes over the validity of a will
- Claims for reasonable financial provision from an estate
- Trustee and trust administration disputes
- Issues involving Powers of Attorney
- Disputes concerning lifetime gifts, legacies and misappropriation of funds
- Applications to remove or replace executors and trustees
- Rectifying drafting mistakes and interpreting unclear will terms
- Claims against solicitors, will writers and other professionals
We offer a no‑obligation initial consultation to discuss your situation and identify the most appropriate legal support for your case. Our team is known for being approachable, responsive and supportive throughout.
Leeds Will, Trust & Probate Dispute Solicitors
Start with an initial no-obligation consultation and let us guide you through your options.
What sets us apart
Our Leeds will, trust and probate dispute team is recognised in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, with clients praising our expertise, professionalism and approachable manner.
From the outset, we prioritise clarity and reassurance. We will outline your options, agree next steps and provide transparent costs information. We adapt our communication style to suit you and remain accessible throughout, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every stage.
Clear and flexible funding options
We are committed to transparency on costs and will keep you fully informed throughout your matter. Where suitable, we can also explore alternative funding arrangements, including “no win no fee” agreements, deferred fees, insurance‑backed funding or third‑party funding solutions.
Specialist dispute resolution lawyers
Our lawyers have extensive experience in handling probate and trust disputes of varying complexity, including high‑value and technically challenging cases. As a full‑service firm, we work closely with colleagues in private client, tax, agricultural and commercial teams, enabling us to advise on farming estates, family businesses and complex asset structures.
Resolving disputes without court action
We actively promote early resolution through negotiation and mediation wherever possible and can represent you throughout the alternative dispute resolution process. Litigation is always treated as a last resort and will only be recommended when it is clearly in your best interests.
A recognised Leeds team
Our Leeds probate dispute specialists are ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and are recognised as leaders in contentious trust and probate work across West Yorkshire. Many members of the team belong to ACTAPS and hold STEP qualifications, reflecting their technical expertise and commitment to best practice.
Client success stories
Successfully defending a contested will claim
We acted for defendants facing a will challenge that, if successful, would have resulted in them losing their home. The matter proceeded to High Court litigation, requiring careful management of evidence and a robust defence of the will’s validity. Through strategic litigation and negotiation, we protected our clients’ position and secured the transfer of the property into their ownership.
Outcome: Clients retained their home following a successful High Court outcome.
Advising on complex inheritance and partnership claims
We advised a farmer on multiple disputes following his father’s death, including proprietary estoppel claims, partnership disputes and issues concerning the beneficial ownership of assets. The matter involved farming assets and long‑standing family arrangements, requiring detailed factual analysis and practical, commercially focused advice.
Outcome: Disputes addressed holistically, protecting the client’s farming interests and long‑term position.
Advising trustees of a £50m+ trust
We advised trustees managing assets valued in excess of £50 million following claims by beneficiaries that resulted in deadlock and the removal of previous trustees. Our advice focused on trustee duties, risk management and restoring effective governance of the trust.
Outcome: Trust administration stabilised and trustees supported in managing ongoing beneficiary issues.
Advising on will construction and beneficiary entitlements
We advised a beneficiary of a £1.2 million estate where the wording of the will created uncertainty around entitlement. We provided advice on construction and represented the beneficiary in pre‑action negotiations to resolve the dispute.
Outcome: Entitlement clarified and dispute progressed without litigation.
FAQs
We handle a wide range of matters, including challenges to wills, inheritance claims, executor and trustee disputes, lifetime gift issues, drafting errors and professional negligence claims against solicitors and will writers.
Yes. Many clients contact us at an early stage. We can review your circumstances, explain your legal position in clear terms and advise on whether pursuing or defending a claim is appropriate.
We act for beneficiaries, executors, trustees and individuals who believe they have been unfairly treated or excluded. Our advice is always tailored to your role and objectives.
Not always. We aim to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation wherever possible. If court proceedings are required, we will guide you through the process and explain the risks and costs at each stage.
Costs vary depending on complexity and how the dispute is resolved. We provide clear cost information from the outset and keep you updated throughout, ensuring there are no unexpected surprises.
In suitable cases, we can explore options such as no win no fee, deferred fees, insurance or third‑party funding, and will discuss these with you at an early stage.
After an initial discussion, we will outline a clear plan, explain what information we need and recommend next steps. Our focus is on providing clarity, reassurance and a clear way forward from the start.
Testimonials
"The team I work with is small but very specialist and experienced. I have full confidence in Carla Rist with whom I work the most. She is bright a...
The Legal 500, 2026
"James, it was a pleasure dealing with you, thank you for all your advice."
Client testimonial
"Carla Rist enjoys a deservedly high reputation for delivering the service, as do others within her team."
The Legal 500, 2026
"Carla Rist is a superb operator. A real expert and leader in the local contested probate market. Wise, commercial and friendly but with the abilit...
The Legal 500, 2026
"James, thank you so much for everything you have done for us you have made what has been an awful extremely stressful 18 months bearable as it cou...
Client testimonial
"Carla Rist is a director in Freeths' private client dispute resolution practice. Rist has expertise in contentious wills, trusts and estates and a...
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"James Wright is meticulous in his preparation of cases."
The Legal 500, 2026
“Nicola is a real asset to the team. I love her persona… and I like her strategy. Thank you for the work you have done for us”.
Client testimonial
Our accreditations
We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.
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