When something has gone wrong with an estate, a will or a trust.

We advise individuals and families on their rights in will challenges, trust disputes, and beneficiary matters. When matters proceed to court, we work alongside a barrister as instructing solicitor or refer your matter to specialist litigators.

WHY EARLY ADVICE MATTERS

These matters are time-sensitive. Family Protection Act claims must be notified to the executors within 6 months and must be filed within 12 months of the grant of probate or administration. Waiting too long can extinguish rights that cannot be revived.


Early advice also shapes the outcome. Understanding your legal position before making demands or entering negotiations makes a significant difference both to the strength of your position and to how the matter is likely to resolve.


Most disputes settle without going to court. Our role is to advise on the law, assess the merits of your position, and help you navigate the process: whether that ends in a negotiated outcome or, if necessary, in litigation.

"Family Protection Act claims have a 12-month limitation period. Waiting too long can extinguish rights that cannot be revived."

Timing matters. The earlier you get specialist advice, the more options remain open.

WHAT WE HELP WITH

Six areas of advice

Will challenges

Advice on the grounds for challenging a will — lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to meet formal requirements.

Family Protection Act claims

Claims by family members who have not been adequately provided for under a will or the intestacy rules. Claims are time-limited and advice sought early is essential.

Testamentary promises

Claims based on promises made by the deceased during their lifetime such as that assets would be left to a particular person in return for services rendered.

Trustee disputes

Advice on trustee obligations, breach of duty, and the process for removal of a trustee: whether you are a beneficiary raising concerns or a trustee responding to a complaint.

Beneficiary disputes

Where a trustee is not distributing or administering the trust correctly, or where there is a dispute between beneficiaries about their respective entitlements.

Litigation pathway

If the matter proceeds to court, we work alongside a barrister as instructing solicitor, or refers to specialist trust and estate litigators. You will not be handed off without guidance.

WHO IT'S FOR

You might need this if...

You were not adequately provided for

Under a will, or under the intestacy rules, and believe you have a claim.

You have concerns about a will's validity

Capacity, undue influence, or whether it meets formal requirements.

You are a beneficiary of a trust

And the trustee is not acting properly, distributing correctly, or keeping proper records.

You are a trustee

And have received a complaint or challenge, or need advice on your obligations.

A promise was made to you

By someone who died about assets they said you would receive.

You are an executor facing a challenge

To the estate, or to the validity or terms of the will you are administering.

HOW IT WORKS

Four stages

01

Initial consultation

We need to understand the facts: what happened, what was said, and what documents exist. We need the full picture before we can advise you.

02

Advice on rights and options

A clear assessment of your legal position, the strength of any claim, realistic prospects, and the options available (including an option of doing nothing if we believe it is not cost effective).

03

Negotiation or mediation

Most disputes resolve without going to court. We advise on strategy and represent your position in negotiations or mediation.

04

Litigation pathway

If the matter cannot be resolved, we instruct a barrister or refer the matter to specialist litigators, with full briefing and continuity of advice.

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

"Polina has been looking after my legal affairs since 2018, when she was a young solicitor working for a firm. Over the years, she has assisted me with my family trust, separation, estate planning, and relationship property advice. Polina is responsive and never leaves you wondering where your matter is at. She is one of those few lawyers who build rapport with their clients and are genuinely interested in the client's matters being resolved effectively. 


— Yulia, Client Google Review

Get specialist advice before you act.

Will and trust disputes are complex and time-sensitive. Polina provides specialist advice on your legal position — and helps you decide on the right next step.