Trust disputes

Our talented and solution-driven team excels in providing advice on trust disputes and resolving conflicts involving trustees, beneficiaries and other parties; employing alternative dispute resolution methods or representing clients in court when necessary. Whether it is breach of trust, contested wills or fiduciary duties, Appleby’s trust dispute solicitors and lawyers offer invaluable advice, ensuring clients can navigate the intricate world of trust disputes with confidence.

This expertise is borne out with numerous top tier rankings for dispute resolution across our global offices in highly respected legal directories such as Chambers and Partners, and The Legal 500.

“Appleby comprises ‘a deep pool of professional capability’ offering ‘outstanding’ advice and ‘highly effective’ advocacy in multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation and trust disputes”

– The Legal 500 (2023)

Trust disputes legal advice

As family and other wealth arrangements become more complex, trustees and beneficiaries are frequently drawn into disputes which lead to court proceedings. With that in mind, we are committed to delivering the highest possible level of client service and regularly work together across our global locations to provide expert multi-jurisdictional advice on international trust disputes.

Indeed, our trust dispute solicitors, attorneys and lawyers have significant experience in all aspects of the law, including:

 

  • Validation and administration of trusts, including the consideration of sham trusts, constructive trusteeship and tracing claims
  • Bringing or defending actions against trustees for breach of trust
  • Resolving disputes among beneficiaries or between them and trustees
  • Representation of minor and unascertained beneficiaries
  • Applications for court approval for the variation or resettlement of trusts
  • Applications to court for directions by trustees or beneficiaries

Find trust disputes lawyers

Are you looking for legal advice on trust disputes? Appleby’s expert trust dispute attorneys and lawyers can provide the guidance you need. With their deep understanding of trust law across multiple offshore locations, strategic approach, and track record of success, they offer comprehensive assistance in resolving complex trust disputes, protecting your interests and achieving optimal results.

Client experience

Representative work IN TRUST DISPUTES

Representing Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei

Representing Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei in high-profile litigation with the Sultan of Brunei to recover assets arising out of alleged misappropriation of US$15 billion from the Brunei Investment Agency, requiring parallel proceedings in both the Cayman Islands and Jersey

Recovery of funds deposited by Kadhir Abacha

Acting in relation to the recovery of funds said to have been deposited in a bank in the Isle of Man by Abdul Kadhir Abacha, brother of the late General Abacha, the former military dictator of Nigeria

Advising a trustee in relation to conflict of interest

Advising a trustee in relation to a hostile application to remove its co-trustee as trustee of a number of trusts on the basis of a clear and obvious conflict of interest, culminating in an order from the Royal Court of Jersey removing the co-trustee

What is a trust dispute?

A trust dispute is any disagreement relating to the administration of a trust. It may involve issues such as interpretation of trust terms, breach of fiduciary duties, challenges to trustee actions, claims by beneficiaries or disputes over trust assets.

Can you dispute a trust?

Yes, it is possible to dispute a trust through legal means. Trust disputes can arise due to various reasons such as breach of trust, contested provisions, undue influence or allegations of mismanagement.

Our Experts

Charles Davies

Partner: Isle of Man

T +44 (0)1624 647 622
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Richard Grasby

Partner: Hong Kong

T +852 2905 5780
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Mark Holligon

Managing Partner: Isle of Man

T +44 (0)1624 647 691
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Fraser Robertson

Partner: Jersey

T +44 (0)1534 818 032
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Eliot Simpson

Partner: Hong Kong

T +852 2905 5765
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Hannah Tildesley

Partner: Bermuda

T +1 441 298 3590
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Anthony Williams

Partner: Guernsey

T +44 (0)1481 755 622
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Andrew Willins

Partner: BVI

T +1 284 393 5323
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Christopher Cope

Consultant: Isle of Man

T +44 (0)1624 647 633
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Tim Swift

Counsel: Isle of Man

T +44 (0)1624 647 607
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Olwyn Barry

Group Partner: BVI

T +44 (0)1534 818 357 or + 1 (284) 393 5345
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Andrew Jackson

Partner: Cayman Islands

T +1 345 814 2738
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John Riihiluoma

Counsel: Bermuda

T +1 441 298 3236
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Sam Riihiluoma

Counsel: Bermuda

T +1441 298-3203
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Crystal Au-Yeung

Counsel: Hong Kong

T +852 2905 5767
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Erin Trimble-Cregeen

Counsel: Isle of Man, Jersey

T +44 (0)1624 647 914
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Richard Field

Partner: Guernsey

T +44 (0)1481 755 610
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Richard Sheldon

Managing Group Partner*: Guernsey

T +44 (0)1481 755 904
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Ray Leung

Associate: Hong Kong

T +852 2905 5718
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Luisa Olander

Associate: Bermuda

T +1 441 298 3556
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James Sellick

Associate: Bermuda

T +1 441 298 3215
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