Will and Estate Disputes
A dispute is stressful at the very best of times, but when a dispute arises following the death of a loved one and emotions are running high, it can place a strain on the families involved and the relationships between them.
Concerns about the validity or interpretation of a will, whether an executor (administrator) is properly managing an estate, or disputes over burial arrangements are all conflicts that can and do arise.
We understand the delicate nature of post-bereavement disputes and their potential to damage family bonds if not handled with speed and care. Whether you are an executor, administrator, trustee or beneficiary, our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and tailors our advice to find a resolution.
While legal action may sometimes be necessary, we prioritise alternative solutions like mediation and view litigation as a last resort.
At Colman Coyle we have the expertise to help resolve these sorts of disputes and have considerable experience of mediations having participated in a very large number of these. The vast majority have resulted in either an immediate settlement or have contributed to a settlement taking place a little later.
In our experience, there are very few, if any, disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation and we would always recommend that parties give serious consideration to mediation as a means of resolving these types of disputes.
Funding a Dispute
We understand that the legal costs of pursuing or defending a dispute can be daunting for some. We will clearly communicate the likely costs from the beginning and are always open to discussing alternative funding arrangements with you.
We may offer ‘no win no fee’ funding arrangements if we consider the matter suitable and each case will have to be assessed on its individual merits.
Will and estate dispute team
Fay Ahmet
Legal Secretary
- Groups:All Staff, Company and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Immigration, International, Property Disputes, Will and estate disputes
Fay Ahmet
Legal Secretary
Fay started working for Colman Coyle in October 2023.
Fay works in the litigation department assisting Anjani, Tom, and Matt.
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Howard Colman
Partner
- Groups:All Staff, Company and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Fee Earners, International, Will and estate disputes
Howard Colman
Partner
Commercial Litigator and Arbitrator
Howard is a founding partner of Colman Coyle and has vast experience in dealing with a wide variety of disputes. In addition to being a solicitor, he is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Howard’s cases often involve a high level of technical knowledge and his experience incudes Courts and Tribunals of all levels up to and including the Supreme Court.
Howard also heads our international team and much of his work involves an international or cross border element.
As a trained mediator, Howard is also a strong advocate of mediation and seeking constructive ways to settle disputes.
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Elizabeth Harland
Trainee Solicitor
- Groups:All Staff, Company and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Fee Earners, Immigration, International, Property Disputes, Will and estate disputes
Elizabeth Harland
Trainee Solicitor
Elizabeth is a paralegal in the Litigation department, assisting with a wide range of disputes, from property to commercial litigation.
Elizabeth holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of York and has completed the Legal Practice Course (‘LPC’) and a Master’s in Law (‘LLM’) in Professional Legal Practice.
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Emily Kyriacou
Legal Secretary
- Groups:All Staff, Company and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Immigration, International, Property Disputes, Will and estate disputes, Wills, Probate and Trusts
Emily Kyriacou
Legal Secretary
Emily joined Colman Coyle in 2012.
Emily initially started as a Legal Secretary in the Employment Department where she worked for a number of fee earners for 8 years.
Emily joined the Litigation Department in 2021 and is currently working for the Partner/Head of Department within the Litigation team.
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Adam Palmer
Partner
- Groups:All Staff, Dispute Resolution, Fee Earners, Property Disputes, Will and estate disputes
Adam Palmer
Partner
Adam joined Colman Coyle in December 2012 and has a broad-contentious practice.
Frequently instructed to act for private individuals through to publicly listed companies in high-value multi-jurisdictional litigation Adam’s practice covers a wide range of commercial disputes.
Alongside this Adam also deals with and has a particular specialism in all disputed private client matters. His contentious practice covers disputed wills, trust claims, administration disputes as well as claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
As a firm advocate of alternative dispute resolution Adam has experience of arbitration, adjudication and particularly mediation. Adam is recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ by IR Global in litigation and is also actively involved in the firm’s international services and provides advice to clients abroad.
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Lily Young
Legal Secretary
- Groups:All Staff, Property, Will and estate disputes, Wills, Probate and Trusts
Lily Young
Legal Secretary
Lily started with Colman Coyle in July 2024 as a Legal Admin Assistant, helping in reception, the property department and some aspects of IT.
Since then, Lily has given secretarial support in the Litigation department and since April 2026 now supports Neil Boonin and Emma Reed in the Property department.
