England - North • Private client
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway LLP‘s Newcastle-based contentious trusts and probates team is jointly led by high-value claims specialist Martin Woodford, and charity trust litigation expert Gaynor Jackson. While Woodford operates at the intersection of professional negligence and contentious trusts, Jackson advises on the early stages of both contested legacies and claims under the 1975 Act. Solicitor Kerry McFarlane has a particular focus on disputes with a farming and agricultural backdrop, and managing associate Ashleigh Lavender has extensive experience acting on behalf of private individuals, families, charities and trustees in a variety of contested probate disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This is a fantastic team which deals with very high quality work in this area in the North of England, they really know their stuff.’
‘Martin Woodford is a meticulous partner who pays great attention to detail. Ashleigh Lavender is a quality associate who is destined to be partner one day.’
‘Gaynor Jackson is one of the most experienced advisers I use. I trust her views wholly. Gaynor is always happy to give initial and sound advice, enabling my clients to make informed decisions. Gaynor is both knowledgeable and personable. She always has time for a chat if matters aren't clear. Gaynor is quick to respond and generous with her advice.’
‘Ward Hadaway provided free advice prior to me engaging their services, despite me being an overseas client. They were transparent with cost’s prior to commencing any works and were clear about what I should expect through the process.’
‘Martin Woodford (Senior Partner) took over the Contentious Probate case when my long-time family solicitor at another firm retired. His instructions were to prepare for Mediation. He demonstrated strong grasp of the area of law and subject matter. Legal product delivered for Mediation was excellent. Likewise his support before and during Mediation was excellent. Specifically Martin was proactive by meeting with me at my home as I was a carer for an elderly relative.’
‘We have used the firm of Ward Hadaway in the areas of contentious trusts and probate for a number of years. The firm’s overall level of service is outstanding and very competitively priced. They offer charity rates and we receive excellent value for money. Gaynor Jackson tends to be our 'lead' contact at Ward Hadaway and has a strong team who work with her. Taking all matters into consideration, we feel that the service we receive, the depth of knowledge Gaynor and the team have and the fees they charge would be difficult to beat. When we are instructing solicitors on UK probate matters, Gaynor Jackson at Ward Hadaway is invariably at the top of our list!’
‘Gaynor's knowledge in all areas of contentious probate, estate administration and taxation is outstanding and we are confident that we receive the best and most appropriate advice from her and from the team who support her. Gaynor is an excellent communicator, intuitive and incredibly 'user friendly'. She thinks 'out of the box' and gets results by being thorough in her research and determined yet fair in her approach to resolving difficult issues. She is also skilled in being able to explain even the most complicated points of tax law to her clients in layman's terms!’
Work highlights
- Acting for a number of disappointed beneficiaries in respect of the Deceased's Estate.
- Acting for a HNWI in a disputed application to appoint a property and financial affairs deputy for the client's mother.
- Acting for the litigation friend/father of minors in relation to the minors' claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for reasonable provision from their late mother's estate.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Woodford, Gaynor Jackson