Bio
Adrian is a Disputes Partner.
Adrian specialises in contentious wills, trusts and probate, advising individuals, families, charities and executors on complex and sensitive estate matters.
His practice centres on challenges to the validity of wills, including disputes involving testamentary capacity, undue influence, lack of knowledge and approval and allegations of fraud. He also advises on proprietary estoppel (‘broken promises’) claims, disputes in relation to the administration of estates, and breaches of trustee duties.
Adrian acts for those who may have been excluded from a will (or received less than they had anticipated), beneficiaries who are concerned as to the administration of an estate, executors who are in dispute with the beneficiaries or with each other, beneficiaries facing claims against the estate by third parties, and both beneficiaries and trustees of disputed trusts.
Many of Adrian’s cases are resolved through mediation, allowing clients to achieve practical and cost-effective outcomes. He also has experience representing clients through the mediation process – negotiating outcomes which meet his clients’ objectives.
Adrian is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Examples of Adrian’s work include:
- Acting for the adult son of the deceased in the reported High Court case of Waite v Skilton [2024] EWHC 3153 (Ch), successfully obtaining rectification of his late mother’s codicil which did not reflect her intentions.