Our rankings in these nationally recognised independent guides to the UK legal profession reflect the experience of our team in dealing with complex Wills and estate disputes, with particular expertise as to breaches of trust, Inheritance Act claims and Will validity disputes.

A strong track record in complex estate disputes

Contentious trusts and probate matters can arise for a number of reasons, often involving disagreements about how an estate has been dealt with or concerns about the actions of trustees, executors and other parties.

The Legal 500 highlights our team’s experience in estate disputes involving breaches of trust, negligent Will drafting and proprietary estoppel, alongside work across both litigation and estate administration. Likewise, Chambers & Partners have drawn attention to the team’s “accurate advice” as well as their ability in “thinking commercially and personally.”

As confirmed by the Legal 500, we also regularly deal with high-value and complex estate disputes, where a detailed understanding of both the legal and practical issues involved is essential.

Recognising the experience within the team

Our contentious trusts and probate practice is jointly led by Paul Mounce and Ben Marsden.

Paul brings experience across litigation and estate administration, while Ben focuses on high-value and complex estate disputes. Together, they lead a team with experience across a broad range of contentious trusts and probate matters.

We’re particularly pleased to see the experience of our team reflected in this year’s ranking.

Putting that expertise into practice

One matter highlighted in the ranking involved Gosschalks acting for the Executor of an Estate in defending a claim for care fees brought by a local authority.

The case involved court proceedings to recover the debt and is an example of the kind of complex estate dispute our team is experienced in handling.

Recognised across a range of contentious matters

Our work includes disputes involving:

• breaches of trust;
• negligent drafting of Wills;
• proprietary estoppel;
• high-value and complex estate disputes;
• litigation involving estates; and
• estate administration.

We’re proud to have our contentious trusts and probate work recognised by The Legal 500 and to be ranked in its Yorkshire Contentious Trusts and Probate rankings.

Recognition such as this is a great reflection of the expertise and commitment of our team and the work we do for our clients.

Recent Testimonials

“Marsden has expertise in contentious wills, trusts and estates.”

“Ben's level of service is five-star, and his attention to detail is above and beyond.”

“Ben shows an exceptional level of expertise, kindness, empathy, excellent communication skills and exceptional professionalism.”

“Gosschalks' communication and professionalism, along with their understanding and kindness towards myself, are outstanding.”

“Gosschalks are very thorough and professional.”

“Gosschalks give good, accurate advice to their clients and are able to assist their clients in understanding the litigation landscape and thinking commercially and personally.”

Chambers & Partners, 2026 Edition (Private Wealth Disputes | High Net Worth)"

“Gosschalks is particularly adept in estate disputes relating to breaches of trust, negligent drafting of wills and proprietary estoppel. The practice is jointly led by Paul Mounce, who is well versed in both litigation and estate administration matters, and Ben Marsden, who is noted for high-value and complex estate disputes.”

Legal 500 Editorial commentary, 2026 edition (Contentious trusts and probate)

For advice on contentious probate matters, contact:

Ben Marsden (Dispute Resolution Partner)

Paul Mounce (Private Client Partner)

For further information about our team, click here.