Russell-Cooke LLP

Trust and Estate 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.

Trained at Russell-Cooke and qualified into commercial litigation in 2002; Began contentious trust and estate work 2005; Partner 2010 to date

Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) One of the few Private Client members of Resolution An accredited mediator through CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) Recommended in the Private Client Global Elite 2022/23

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