The Druces Contentious Trusts and Probate team look forward to the ConTRa conference in Lisbon this week. While the agenda will cover the latest developments in trusts and estates, it also feels like the perfect moment to share what truly sets our team apart – something we have been quietly demonstrating in the recent matters featured in our last two articles authored by Zoe Norton and Hollie Travers.
In our previous two articles we looked at real-world examples of issues that commonly surface in contentious trusts and probate work – from disputed will interpretations and joint tenancy arrangements to issues arising on the liability of inheritance tax on failed Potentially Exempt Transfers.
This week, we want to step back and explain the unique edge we bring to every case, whether we are helping clients avoid disputes before they arise or guiding them through complex litigation when they do.
We are not generalist contentious lawyers. We are private client specialists who also litigate. All our team trained and practised as private wealth, trust and tax specialists first. That background is not just a footnote on our CVs – it fundamentally changes how we approach both prevention and resolution.
Prevention starts with foresight
Because we live and breathe estate planning and tax structuring every day, we spot the classic pitfalls long before they become problems. Ambiguous trust deeds overlooked tax charges, or provisions that seem fair on paper but create resentment once the main parties are no longer there to explain their intentions – these are the seeds of future conflict.
Clients who instruct us at the planning stage benefit from advice that is deliberately designed to minimise the risk of later disputes. We do not simply draft documents; we stress-test them against the realities of family dynamics, changing tax rules and the passage of time. The result? Fewer claims, less acrimony, and greater peace of mind for the next generation.
Resolution benefits from the same expertise
When a dispute has already arisen, that same private-wealth grounding becomes a powerful strategic advantage. Tax issues are often central to contentious estates – whether it is Inheritance Tax reliefs, capital gains on asset transfers, or the interaction between trust taxation and personal estates.
At mediation or in without-prejudice negotiations, our ability to model and explain these tax consequences in real time often unlocks creative, tax-efficient compromises that pure litigation specialists may not see.
Equally important is our understanding of the human side. As private client lawyers by trade, we instinctively recognise how sentimental value – the family home, a particular piece of jewellery, or shares in the “family company” – can outweigh pure financial calculations. We know how to acknowledge those emotions without letting them derail a pragmatic solution. This blend of technical and emotional intelligence frequently leads to faster, more durable settlements.
A clear contrast with traditional contentious practice
We regularly find ourselves sitting across the table from lawyers whose entire practice is built on disputes. They are formidable advocates, but they do not always have the depth of trusts, estates and tax knowledge that comes from years spent drafting and advising on these structures from the outset. That gap can mean missed opportunities, protracted arguments over technical points, or settlements that create new tax problems further down the line.
Our dual perspective allows us to anticipate, neutralise and resolve issues more efficiently – often saving clients both time and money.
Whether you are a private client or another professional seeking advice on a contentious matter, the Lisbon conference this week is a timely reminder of how quickly the landscape is evolving. The issues we help clients navigate today – and the preventative steps we recommend – are more important than ever.
If you would like to discuss how our team’s specialist background can protect your family’s wealth or help resolve an existing dispute, please get in touch. You can reach me or any member of the team directly via the contact form below, or via our individual profiles.
We look forward to assisting you.
