Charity and Legacy Disputes

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a significant rise in the need for charitable services. However, there is an increasing lack of resources to enable charities to meet this demand. As a result of this, charities have seen a surge in the number of charitable gifts being left in Wills.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for gifts left to charities in a Will to be disputed by family members. You may be a charity that is a beneficiary under a Will that is being challenged. Alternatively, you may be a beneficiary of an Estate that has been wrongfully, or not yet administrated, and you want to bring a claim against the estate of a deceased supporter of the charity.

No matter what your situation is, our experienced Contentious Probate team will help guide you through the options available to you and the grounds on which you could defend or challenge the validity of a Will. As a firm, we support and represent many local charities, and we understand that, whilst every charity is unique, they all have a common need for resources, support and funding. Many of our staff are also trustees of local charities, meaning that we understand the obligations and challenges that trustees in these settings have, and we can use this experience to offer guidance and support to charities and their trustees as well as expert legal advice and representation.

To find out more about how we can help you with inheritance, trust and Will disputes, call our contentious probate solicitors at Ramsdens on 01484 821 500, or fill out our online enquiry form to request a call back at a time that is convenient for you.

How our charity and legacy solicitors can help you

At Ramsdens, we provide a comprehensive range of services to help resolve any charity and legacy disputes you may encounter as smoothly as possible. Our team of compassionate, friendly solicitors offer support to charities and provide bespoke advice tailored to each unique situation. We are able to advise you in relation to:

• Bringing or defending legacy disputes
• Claims relating to the validity of Wills
• Maladministration claims against personal representatives
• Removal of executors and trustees
• Breach of trust claims
• Rectification claims of an erroneous will
• Court of Protection claims relating to statutory Wills
• The powers and obligations of trustees and their organisation

We will advise and represent you throughout the entire process from start to finish, all the way to a contested trial if this is required. We will also advise you and keep you updated about the costs involved, and on the practical alternatives to litigation that may be available to you as a means of resolving the dispute, including mediation.

Why choose us?

Our Contentious Probate solicitors are experienced in providing a professional and sensitive service, ensuring we always put your personal requirements and priorities first. We will work hard to minimise any stress and disruption caused to you, so that you can focus on the valuable services your charity provides.

Ramsdens Solicitors has been highly recommended by the 2021 edition of the prestigious Legal 500, and our expert team are also members of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP). This underlines our proven experience and industry-leading expertise in this area.

We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation of up to 30 minutes with one of our expert lawyers, allowing us to discuss your circumstances and potential options in a no-obligation setting, as well as advising you of the funding options available and the next steps should you decide to take your case forward with us.

FAQs