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Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Trusts play an important role in estate planning, aiming to efficiently manage assets and provide for beneficiaries according to the grantor's terms. However, trust management can be a complex beast, and the diverse interests of beneficiaries can sometimes lead to disputes.
Trust disputes may stem from disagreements interpreting trust terms, managing assets, distributing funds, or trustee conduct.
If you find yourself in a dispute relating to a trust, either as a trustee or beneficiary, our network of wills, trust, and probate solicitors is on hand to provide expert legal help and advice quickly for affordable fixed fees.
To get started, contact our Legal Assessment Team today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of an expert lawyer.
A trust dispute is any disagreement about the management of a trust. Typically, it involves a conflict between a trustee and a beneficiary of the trust. The dispute may revolve around trust terms or the trustee's handling of trust affairs.
Because of the complexities of trusts, disputes can arise from the various issues related to the management and running of a trust and who is set to benefit.
Common types of trust disputes include:
Friendly disputes happen when all parties acknowledge issues with the trust that require resolution. These typically involve trust structure or interpretation concerns. In such cases, the trust usually covers the trustee's legal expenses.
Trusts are complex and disputes can arise even with careful management aimed at avoiding such issues. In such instances, trust disputes may escalate to litigation and incur significant costs.
Claims can be made against a trustee when there are allegations that they haven't properly performed their duties.
Some common reasons for claiming against a trustee include the mismanagement of trust funds, like distributing them poorly, making bad investment decisions, or using trust funds for personal use.
Also, if a trustee shows bias by favoring one beneficiary over another or restricts beneficiary access unfairly, you may have grounds for a claim against them.
Or, if trustees withhold important information about the trust that should be disclosed, you have the right to make a claim.
Trust disputes are most commonly resolved out of court through negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution, typically mediation.
Resolving trust disputes usually requires the expert help of a solicitor with many years of experience acting for trustees and beneficiaries.
Various court applications can be pursued to address a trust dispute through legal channels, including:
The rights of a trust beneficiary vary depending on the interest they have in the trust.
Trust beneficiary rights include the right to:
If a trustee has breached their legal duty of care, you can act to remove or replace them, get information about the trust and its financial accounts, and recover money that has been taken out of a trust.
You can remove a trustee for:
It is possible to pursue criminal charges against a trustee when they have been involved in theft or fraud.
Claims against a trustee can be made by a beneficiary, co-trustees and individuals with an interest in the estate, such as a creditor.
If a beneficiary is making a claim against you it is important to handle the situation with care and follow the relevant legislation.
First, make sure you understand the nature of the claim and review all trust documents, including the trust deed to understand the claim against you. You should look at everything and consult with a solicitor to understand whether the claim is just and fair.
It’s always a good move to communicate with the beneficiary to see if a resolution can be reached without going to court, as it can be costly for everyone involved. Disclose any information that is asked of you, and make sure you confront the situation openly and honestly.
At this point, you might consider mediation as a cost-effective alternative to court.
If the issue cannot be resolved outside of court, you need to prepare for court with your legal representative and gather the necessary documentation you are asked to.
How long a trust dispute will take to resolve depends on the complexity of the case, and whether each party is willing to resolve the dispute with good intentions.
Some disputes can be resolved quickly in just a few months, whereas others go on for much longer if the parties are unwilling or unable to agree on a settlement.
The time limit for bringing a trust dispute claim is six years from the date of the breach, or six years from the date of the discovery of the breach.
An exception is a fraudulent breach - in these cases, no time limit is in place. The same is true for recovering property previously held by trustees.
The likelihood of making a successful claim is improved by acting quickly. When you think a trust's assets are being misused it is important to act fast.
The cost for a licensed solicitor to help with a trust dispute depends on many factors including the complexity and specific requirements of the case.
On average it is expected to range from £188-£250, but in some cases, it could cost as much as £300.
At Lawhive, we can assist both trustees and beneficiaries.
Trust disputes need careful consideration and expert legal guidance to successfully resolve.
Our expert wills, trust, and probate team can help you navigate the process of resolving a trust dispute effectively.
To understand your options under this complex area of the law please book a free case assessment with our Legal Assessment Team.
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