Our Will and inheritance dispute team explore a recent case where they served with (and defended) a short notice application by a claimant to adjourn an upcoming three-day trial on medical grounds.
Read moreFinancial Abuse — Lifetime Gifts & Transactions
Our expert solicitors deal with challenges against lifetime gifts or transactions that may be a result of financial abuse.
Talk to usIn this section
Many people are assisted with their finances by others, such as family or friends. Usually, this arises with age or where a person is struggling physically or mentally to manage their affairs as a result of an injury or medical condition.
While such assistance can be informal, it’s often undertaken by attorneys or deputies that have been appointed formally by the person needing help (or by the court).
Sadly, this can make people vulnerable to exploitation — and with two in five British adults (Aviva, 2023) experiencing financial or economic abuse, this happens more often than you might think.
Our experienced financial abuse solicitors are often asked to advise in circumstances where suspicions have been aroused — either during the lifetime of the alleged victim or after they’ve passed away.
If you have questions or concerns about whether someone’s finances are being handled properly or resources are being used for other means, it’s important to seek advice.
While this can prove to be unintentional mishandling or mismanagement, more serious cases can involve the intentional misuse of a person’s finances.
How we can help with financial abuse challenges
Our team is experienced in dealing with financial abuse challenges in relation to lifetime gifts or transactions undertaken by attorneys, deputies, friends or family.
We work with all types of vulnerable people, their families and those appointed to represent them to ensure that any financial abuse or mishandling of their finances is addressed.
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Working with us
We act for a wide range of individuals, including high-net worth and ultra-high-net-worth families in relation to estates across the North West and wider England and Wales.
In matters that can involve vulnerable people or family members — especially when they relate to cases of financial abuse — we understand the paramount importance of close support, coupled with expert legal and practical advice.
Our solicitors are deeply experienced in understanding financial abuse, including in advising on removal of deputies and attorneys. At every step, we’ll support you and fight your corner — with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome.
Talented, experienced litigators in financial abuse
Our team is led by “talented litigator” Nicola Turner — a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors held in high regard by fellow professionals and The Legal 500. She’s described by a fellow legal professional as someone “whose judgement sets her apart” and has been instructed to represent barristers and partners in other law firms in their personal capacities.
Our team also includes Associate Beth Middleton and Solicitor Georgina Vokes. A “highly promising” Associate, Beth is recognised as a ‘key lawyer’ in The Legal 500. She's also a member of ConTra (the Contentious Trusts Association) and the Northern Contentious Probate Group. Beth is due to become an accredited Associate Member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors this year and is widely recognised across the Northern circuit for her expertise.
“Nicola was recommended to me when I needed assistance with a sensitive joint financial attorneyship problem. She was proactive and practical, and rightly inspired confidence with clear and comprehensive advice. With her assistance, I was able to resolve what had previously felt like an intractable situation without the need for recourse to formal proceedings — the best possible outcome for all.”
Financial abuse & attorneyship client (barrister by profession)
“Nicola Turner stands out… in the accuracy of her judgement of cases and their likely outcome… Nicola is not afraid to give direct advice and she never sits on the fence.”
The Legal 500
“Thank you so much for all of your help with this matter. I can finally move forward knowing that this matter has been resolved in the best way and by a fantastic law firm. Once again thank you so much for all your help.”
Client feedback
“Beth Middleton is a very capable junior solicitor with a growing profile in the contentious trusts and probate market in the North West.”
Anonymous barrister
Case Highlights
Financial abuse
Acting for a number of high-profile regional charities (including North West Cancer Research) in relation to a variety of contentious probate matters, including Will construction, validity challenges and Court of Protection proceedings.
Financial abuse
Acting as court-appointed independent administrator of a multi-million-pound estate with international assets. High Court proceedings have been issued to determine whether a significant lifetime gift made by the deceased to one of their two daughters was valid, due to alleged undue influence and lack of capacity.
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