Liam Brooke

Partner

Edgerton

01484 682171 or 07842 434 657

Liam.brooke@ramsdens.co.uk

 

 

Liam is a well respected Contentious Trust & Probate specialist and Head of the Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team at Ramsdens. He has advised on all manner of Contentious Trust & Probate matters and has been involved in a number of reported cases.

In particular, he has significant expertise in disputes regarding the validity of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and disputes involving executors and trustees.

Liam also deals with disputes arising within the Court of Protection. He is a Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) and is also a member of the Northern Contentious Probate Group.

Liam recently spoke with James McKean of New Square Chambers in a Law Society Member talk regarding Inheritance Act claims - Member talk: Contentious probate | Videos | Communities - The Law Society

Liam also gave a webinar, alongside Dr Sarah Egan of New Square Chambers, regarding the case of Lumb v Lumb [2023] EWHC 2052 (Ch) - Costs Protection under CPR r.57.7(5) when proving Wills in Solemn Form: a Sword or a Shield? | New Square Chambers

 

Liam specialises in:

• Will validity disputes
• Inheritance Act claims
• Executor disputes
• Trust disputes
• Proprietary Estoppel claims
• Constructive Trusts
• Professional Negligence
• Court of Protection disputes
• Mediation

 

What are your career highlights so far?

• Acting for the successful appellant in Lumb v Lumb [2023] EWHC 2052 (Ch) which establishes clear guidance as to the limitations of a CPR 57(7) defence when defending probate claims
• Acting for the claimant in Martin v Williams [2016] WTLR 1075), in which his client, a long term unmarried partner of the Deceased, was awarded a life interest in the joint home of her and the Deceased
• Acting for the fiancée of the Deceased in successfully defending a claim against a Deceased’s estate by his estranged ex-wife
• Acting for the minor beneficiary of a Trust in successful proceedings to remove the Trustees of the Trust and subsequently to recover substantial damages from the former trustees for breach of trust
• Acting for a successful claimant in a proprietary estoppel claim regarding a North Yorkshire farm worth £6m

 

What is one legal myth that you’d love to dispel?

"The myth that costs will automatically come from the estate in contentious probate claims. This is a potentially costly misconception as, in the vast majority of cases, the costs of the proceedings will be paid by the losing party. This myth can cause parties to engage in an unreasonable or unrealistic manner, only to have a nasty surprise at the conclusion of the matter."

 

What made you want to work in your sector?

"I studied Law at University and was fascinated by the area of equity and trusts, so jumped at the chance to work in Contentious Probate as a trainee and never looked back.

As well as the technical challenge that Contentious Probate work brings, I very much enjoy the human element of this area of law. It gives me immense satisfaction to be able to offer assistance to people who are often going through a very difficult time and help to guide them towards a resolution."

 

Visit our Will, Trust and Estate Disputes page for more information on our services. You can also call our team on 01484 821 500.