Clare
Kelly

As a solicitor in the Private Client team, she specialises exclusively in contentious trusts and probate disputes. She represents clients across a wide range of matters, including disputes over the validity of a will, challenges to the administration of a trust or estate, and claims for a greater share of an estate. She acts for both claimants and defendants and is experienced in advising all parties involved, including executors, beneficiaries and individuals who may have been left out of a will.

She understands that litigation can be highly stressful, particularly when combined with bereavement, and she aims to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible. She has significant experience supporting vulnerable clients, including children and those lacking capacity. Empathetic and supportive in her approach, she works closely with clients to find the best possible solution to their issue.

As a qualified mediator, she is a strong advocate for out‑of‑court dispute resolution, but she is also fully prepared to utilise the court process when necessary to achieve the right outcome for her clients.

Notable work highlights

• Representing a wife in a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 where she had been left only a life interest in a property by her late husband and was concerned about the prospect of having sufficient funds to pay for future care. The remainder of the substantial estate had been left to the children from his first marriage, despite a very long and happy second marriage to my client. A confidential settlement was reached at mediation.
• Representing an executor to defend a claim against an estate by an estranged adult child who was claiming that the will was invalid.
• Representing parties in TOLATA proceedings to obtain a declaration of beneficial ownership where the legal ownership was registered in the name of someone else

Accreditations & Memberships

• ACTAPS qualified
• Qualified mediator (ADR Group)