Biography And Reviews
Nicola is an Associate Solicitor in our Will Trust and Estate Disputes team. She is based at the our York office.
Qualifying as a solicitor in 2007, since that time Nicola has specialised in contentious probate and trust work, working for firms in the Yorkshire region.
The types of cases that she specialises in include disputes related to the validity of wills, to the administration of an estate, proprietary estoppels claims, claims for reasonable provision from an estate and claims relating to the administration of trusts.
Nicola represents both claimants and defendants, trustees, executors and beneficiaries.
Recently Nicola’s experience included acting in cases related to large farming estates and the disputes that can arise following the death of a land owner or farming business partner. Nicola particularly likes representing cohabitees who she feels are let down by the law failing to keep up to date with the changes in family relationships. As fewer people marry and there are more joined families.
Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, she worked as a social worker specialising in bereavement and older person mental health. The skills gained in these environments inform and support her work with clients facing disputes following a bereavement. Nicola prides herself on giving clear advice, having a pragmatic approach to resolving disputes and her understanding of the emotional implications of litigation.
Areas that Nicola specialises in:
- Will validity claims
- Inheritance (provision for family and dependants) Act 1975 claims
- Breach to trust
- Removal of trustees/ executors
- Proprietary Estoppel claims
Career Highlights
Nicola represented a long term cohabitee in a 1975 Act claim against the deceased’s children who had aggressively thrown her out of her home and left her with no income. Nicola was able to ensure her return to the property and settled ensuring that she was provided with a lump sum payment.
What is one legal myth that you’d love to dispel?
“The myth of the common law spouse in that if you have lived with someone for X years they will be treated as your spouse or next of kin. Within probate law the treatment of a cohabitee is very different to a spouse and often leads to battles between a cohabitee and other family members.”
What made you want to work in your role / law?
“Working as a hospice social worker I saw the effect of end of life and bereavement on families and how this can bring them together or push them apart. I was interested in how the law impacted on these families and found during my training contract that other litigators do not necessarily have the skills (or desire) to work with people who may be very emotional.”
Visit our Will, Trust & Estate Disputes section for more information on our services, or alternatively, call our team on 01484 821 500.