Debenhams Ottaway strengthens specialist Wills, trusts and inheritance disputes expertise

Debenhams Ottaway is expanding its contentious probate, Wills, trusts and inheritance disputes capability in response to growing demand from clients and professional advisers for specialist support with sensitive, complex and high-value estate disputes.

As part of this continued investment, the firm has welcomed senior associate solicitor Evelyn Hebbron, who specialises in contentious probate, inheritance disputes and contested Wills. Evelyn’s appointment strengthens the firm’s support for individuals, families and fellow professionals dealing with disputes involving entitlement, estate administration and the validity of Wills.

She advises executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, disappointed beneficiaries, including surviving spouses and cohabitees on disputes involving entitlement, estate administration and the validity of Wills. Her experience includes claims relating to lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, want of knowledge and approval, fraud and due execution.

Evelyn also advises on claims for financial provision from an estate, applications for information about an estate, executor removal or replacement, breach of duty claims, proprietary estoppel claims and disputes involving the property of someone who has died. She often works on complex cases involving high-value estates, foreign assets, farming succession, lifetime gifts and disputes between executors or trustees.

Managing partner Susan Glenholme said: “We are continuing to invest in our contentious probate, Wills, trusts and inheritance disputes expertise because we are seeing increased need from clients and professional advisers for specialist support in this area. These disputes can involve complex family dynamics, high-value estates and difficult questions about entitlement or the validity of a Will, so it is important that clients have access to focused advice delivered with sensitivity and care. Evelyn’s appointment is an important part of that growth and will further strengthen the support we can offer.”

Evelyn said: “I am really pleased to have joined Debenhams Ottaway and to be part of a team known for its strong private wealth, lifetime planning and disputes expertise. Wills, trusts and inheritance disputes can be extremely stressful for clients, particularly when family relationships are involved. My role is to help clients understand their options, make informed decisions and find a practical way forward with clear advice, care and empathy.”

The expansion reflects Debenhams Ottaway’s wider focus on providing specialist, joined-up legal advice for private individuals, families and professional advisers across Hertfordshire, London and the wider UK. Evelyn’s appointment comes hot on the heels of the private wealth team at Debenhams Ottaway maintaining its top ranking by Chambers High Net Worth guide, find out more here.