The Legal 500 notes:

“Gosschalks fields a sizeable contentious probate team, with experience in matters relating to breaches of trust, negligent drafting of wills, and proprietary estoppel, in addition to a range of other issues. Paul Mounce and Ben Marsden jointly lead the team, which is based in Hull. Mounce benefits from a history of work in non-contentious private client matters, while Marsden is a specialist in disputes, particularly contentious probate claims.”

This recognition highlights the firm’s ability to combine deep private client knowledge with high-level litigation expertise — a crucial combination in sensitive inheritance and trust disputes.

Expert leadership

The team is led by Ben Marsden and Paul Mounce.

Ben, a dispute resolution specialist, handles a range of cases including complex contested wills, breach of trust, and proprietary estoppel cases for clients throughout the UK.

Paul brings long-standing experience in non-contentious private client work, ensuring that every contentious matter is underpinned by a clear understanding of estate and trust administration.

Together, they lead one of the region’s most experienced contentious probate teams, known for practical, empathetic, and effective advice.

We’re particularly proud of the client feedback quoted by The Legal 500:

“They go above and beyond for their clients to offer a very bespoke service.”

“They take their time to match their clients' wishes with what they want/need.”

This recognition reflects the values we hold as a firm - personal service, practical advice, and unwavering commitment to our clients.

Our contentious probate expertise

Our specialist team advises clients across the UK on a full range of estate-related disputes, including:

• Challenges to the validity of wills
• Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims
• Executor and trustee disputes
• Breach of trust and estate mismanagement
• Disputes over lifetime gifts and proprietary estoppel
• Professional negligence in will drafting and estate advice

Based in Yorkshire, our team combines regional accessibility with a national reputation for excellence. Whether resolving disputes through negotiation or litigation, the firm is committed to protecting clients’ interests with skill and discretion.

For advice on contentious probate matters, contact:

Ben Marsden (Dispute Resolution Partner)
Paul Mounce (Private Client Partner)

For further information about our team, click or tap here.