Work Department

Trust and Estate disputes

Position

Joint Managing Partner of Russell-Cooke and partner specialising in contentious trust and succession disputes.

Alison leads the contentious trust and estate team advising a range of clients (private individuals, trustees, other fiduciaries and beneficiaries) on succession, probate and trust disputes.

Alison also has extensive experience in advising on claims under the Inheritance (Family and Dependants) Act 1975, applications to rectify or vary wills and professional negligence issues in relation to trusts and estates.

As part of a larger team, Alison also acts in an advisory and risk management capacity in relation to asset protection or succession planning, particularly in a multi-generational family business context or in the context of divorce proceedings.

Alison also regularly acts in contentious administrations involving the Russell-Cooke Trust Company, where the trust company is appointed as independent administrator in circumstances involving beneficiary litigation or family disharmony.  In particular Alison has experience in acting in the context of applications made following manslaughter convictions and the impact on inheritance:  the Forfeiture Act 1982.

Education

St Catherine’s Convent, Johannesburg; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (2(1)); College of Law, London (LPC distinction).

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