Expertise
Helena has considerable experience dealing with contentious probate matters including numerous Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims and disputes arising during the administration of trusts and estates. Helena regularly advises on challenges to the validity of wills and issues of construction of wills and deeds. Helena has also advised on contentious Court of Protection matters.
Recent Experience
- Commencing and defending multiple claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for all categories of claimants and defendants and obtaining settlement without the need to issue proceedings.
- Acting for a claimant in an action to remove their co-executor from their role of executor of an estate.
- Securing a settlement for an estranged child where DNA testing/evidence was required.
- Acting for a professional deputy in defending Court of Protection proceedings concerning a statutory will application.
- Successfully obtaining judgment against an executrix for fraudulent activity against two residual beneficiaries.
- Acting for a claimant in seeking to have a proved will set aside due to the discovery of a later will.
Career History
Helena qualified as a solicitor in January 2020 at Gardner Leader LLP. Whilst there, she acted for the successful claimant in the case of Hudman v Morris [2021] EWHC 1400 (Ch). Helena joined Wedlake Bell in October 2021.
Helena is a member of the Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA) and a student member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). She graduated from the University of Reading having studied Law and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law where she attained a distinction.
Publications
“What is the impact of Guest v Guest in cases of proprietary estoppel?” – Today’s Wills and Probate, November 2022
“Disputes Digest” – In Trust, December 2022