Helen Thompson
Helen helps clients navigate complex and often sensitive private wealth disputes, including will disputes, inheritance claims and trustee issues, providing clear, strategic advice to achieve practical and proportionate outcomes.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
Legal 500
Biography
Helen is a leading specialist in contentious probate and private wealth disputes, advising high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees, executors, neutral fiduciaries and professional advisers on complex estate and trust disputes, often involving cross-border interests, family wealth structures and sensitive personal or reputational issues.
With over 20 years’ litigation experience and more than 8 years specialising in contentious probate, Helen is known for taking early strategic control of disputes and delivering clear, decisive and proportionate solutions. Her practice spans High Court litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including cases involving vulnerable beneficiaries, protected parties and fiduciary risk. She is also recognised for providing regulator-safe advice and calm leadership in high-pressure situations.
Helen acts for a wide range of clients, including claimants, defendants, personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, charities and attorneys in contentious Court of Protection matters. She also advises on domicile issues and disputes involving foreign estates.
She heads Myerson’s Private Wealth Disputes team, ranked Band 2 in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, where Helen is individually ranked Band 2 for Private Wealth Disputes in 2025.
Chambers has described Helen for her “balance of toughness and charm” and as “a highly respected and go-to individual in this field,” while Legal 500 describes her as a “First-class litigator” and previously named her “one to watch.” Helen is also a Full Member of ACTAPS and a trustee of St Ann’s Hospice.
Client Feedback
Legal 500, 2020
Helen Thompson is a first-rate litigator and charismatic leader of the team.
Legal 500, 2020
Helen Thompson and Stephanie Ewan have been amazing. They have combined their professional knowledge with a degree of compassion for my own circumstances and worked to ensure I understand my situation. They have even sent me follow-up emails in plain language to help me remember their advice and answers to my questions.
Legal 500, 2020
Helen Thompson is an extremely knowledgeable, focused and talented litigator. Not all lawyers are born equal and for me, Helen is best in class.
Mr A
Helen and Bik-ki have been integral to my case and I could not wish for a better team to get to grips with the complexity of my case. I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me and to wish you well in all that you do.
Legal 500, 2021
Helen Thompson continues to be a stand out litigator who always manages a remarkable balance of calm, sympathy and determination in all those challenging moments. Stephanie Ewan’s support is outstanding as always and her attention to detail adds that extra bit of quality to discussions.
Legal 500, 2021
Helen Thompson and Stephanie Ewan were approachable and easy to work with. They worked with integrity, honesty and without the professional arrogance that can be experienced in some of their competitors. Defending a contentious probate matter can seem daunting and extremely challenging. We had many questions and concerns and we felt we were listened to and that our suggestions were carefully considered and acted upon.
Legal 500, 2021
Helen Thompson is an outstanding intellect. She is arguably the best contentious trusts and probate lawyer in the North West. Stephanie Ewan is an up and coming talent in contentious probate. Very early into her career she has dealt with matters of significant complexity. She has expertise and knowledge well beyond her level of qualification. She is pleasant and courteous to deal with.
Legal 500, 2022
Helen Thompson is a true champion of her clients, working tirelessly for the right outcome for them. A real gem in the sector and deserves recognition in her field.
Legal 500, 2022
Helen Thompson and Stephanie Ewan lead the team and were always available at the critical times. This involved out of hours working as well as comprehensive management of the resolution.
Legal 500, 2024
The team is led by Helen Thompson who is one of the most stand out partners in her area and includes exceptional talent at the junior end, most notably Stephanie Ewan
Legal 500, 2024
Helen Thompson is well regarded in the field of contentious probate.
Legal 500, 2024
Helen Thompson has a well-deserved superb reputation in this field and Eleanor Clarke should be seen as one to watch.
Recent Experience
Helen advises on all aspects of contentious issues practice and procedure which includes; validity of Will disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, claims for and against personal representatives, construction claims, trust and estoppel claims.
Examples of Helen’s notable work include:
Obtaining a protective order for a Personal Representative to allow a distribution of estate funds to the deceased’s minor children and facilitating the creation of a subsequent trust to protect the children’s interests.
Successfully assisting an executor and beneficiary in the removal of a joint executor from their role in the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Advising a client following service of Court of Protection proceedings to restrain visits to patient’s nursing home. Effect of Court order devastating to both the client and to the patient who had lost the use of speech but still had capacity. Multi-party action in which numerous undertakings were sought, negotiated and given. Sadly the patient’s health deteriorated during this process. Client only able to see him in his final hours by breaching the undertaking with the parties consent.
Acting for executors and beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate of over two million pounds in the defence to a challenge brought by a family friend as to the validity of the deceased’s “home-made” Will. Successfully settled claim prior to issue of proceedings at mediation.
Acting for one of three Charities in the defence of the claim brought by the widower under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claim. Guiding the charity through the competing expectations of all parties to a substantial estate and asserting the benefits of alternative dispute resolution to explore and achieve a settlement that all could accept.
Awards & Rankings
Legal 500 — Leading Partner
2026
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide — Band 2 for Private Wealth Disputes
2025
Legal 500 — Leading Individual
2023
Legal 500 — Leading Individual
2022
Legal 500 — Leading Individual
2021Memberships
- Actaps (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) Accredited
- STEP Accredited
Insights & Media
Surrogacy and Succession: What the Longleat Trust Case Means for Modern Inheritance Disputes
A recent High Court decision involving the Longleat estate highlights an emerging challenge in trust and probate law: applying historic trust instruments to modern family structures, particularly those created through assisted reproduction and surrogacy. Although the case is rooted in aristocratic wealth, the legal principles are widely relevant...
Read Blog
Autism and Will Disputes – Essential Considerations
Estate disputes of whatever nature are legally and emotionally difficult. If such a dispute involves a person with autism, other factors need to be taken into account. Autism is a spectrum condition, and individuals may have varying levels of cognitive ability and communication skills and may be more vulnerable to undue influence. Our Contentious...
Read Blog
Woman Who Moved Her Dying Mother's Hand to Sign a Will Loses in High Stakes Legal Battle
In a case that underscores the complexities of wills and the importance of ensuring proper legal processes, a woman who guided her dying mother's hand to sign a will has lost a high-stakes legal battle over a £700,000 estate. The court's ruling is a stark reminder of the significance of testamentary capacity and the risks involved when wills are...
Read Blog
Am I Legally Entitled to an Inheritance?
The inheritance laws of England and Wales are complicated, with many rights based on laws established years ago. Understanding what rights you have can be hard to navigate, especially at a difficult and emotional time. Our Contentious Probate Lawyers explore some of the main issues that must be considered legally and practically.
Read Blog
The Court of Appeal overrules the High Court decision on undue influence in Rea v Rea
Where someone has made a Will, it can be challenged if it was produced as a result of "undue influence" by one of the beneficiaries. Our Contentious Probate lawyers explore a recent decision in a case called Rea v Rea which demonstrates how these claims work and the challenges of bringing undue influence claims. This case concerns the validity of...
Read Blog
Top Tips for Contesting a Will
If you’re deciding to contest a Will , there are a few practical things worth considering before you take the next step. Before challenging a Will or the intestacy rules if there is no Will, it’s important to get a clear picture of the deceased’s assets and debts. Estates are rarely simple, and it’s easy to miss key details early on. One of the...
Read Blog
Minor Children and the Inheritance Act
Different categories of people can bring claims against an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The Act enables an applicant to challenge a Will (or intestacy if there is no Will) on the basis that it has failed to make reasonable financial provision. The categories of eligible applicants include children...
Read Blog
What Happens If a Will That Benefits You Is Challenged?
Discovering that a Will from which you benefit is being challenged can be unsettling. Such disputes often arise shortly after a death, when emotions are heightened, and family dynamics may be strained. Understanding your legal position at an early stage is therefore essential to ensure that you respond appropriately and protect your interests...
Read Blog
Five Practical Steps to Deal with a Difficult or Problem Executor
It is an executor’s responsibility to deal with an estate when a person passes away, leaving a Will. What happens if the executor does not do their job correctly, or worse, acts to the detriment of the estate, whether on purpose or not? Our Contentious Probate Lawyers outline is five practical steps for beneficiaries to take when they encounter...
Read Blog
Rising Contentious Probate Disputes in the UK: Causes, Trends and 2027 Predictions
According to recent reports, contentious probate disputes are surging, with caveat applications rising by 56% between 2019 and 2024 and continuing to increase into 2025 . This upward trend raises important questions about why this is happening and what to expect by 2027. In this blog, Myerson’s specialist Contentious Probate team explores the key...
Read Blog
Probate Fraud in the UK: Lessons from the Christine Harverson Case
The BBC’s recent investigation into the case of Christine Harverson - where two sisters expecting to inherit their aunt’s estate were abruptly displaced by a man unknown to her family - has brought a prevalent but often under reported issue into the public eye: the growing threat of will fraud and the worrying vulnerability of the UK probate...
Read Blog
Alternatives to Executor or Trustee Removal
A recent case involving the Marquessate of Hertford (Seymour v Ragley Trust Company Ltd & Ors [2025] EWHC 1099 (Ch)) confirmed the court’s cautious approach to removing trustees or executors. Whilst that case concerned complex aristocratic trusts, disagreements and dissatisfaction with executors or trustees are common across all walks of life...
Read Blog
Inheritance Act Claims for LGBTQ+ Individuals: Protecting Your Rights After a Loved One’s Death
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, Inheritance Act claims can provide vital legal protection when a loved one, such as a same-sex partner or dependant, passes away without making reasonable financial provision for them in a will or under the intestacy rules. This can be particularly important where relationships were not legally formalised, or...
Read Blog
The Essex Millionaire Murders - Does Crime Pay?
Carole and Stephen Baxter were tragically murdered in April 2023 by their business consultant, trusted friend and de facto carer, Luke D’Wit. D’Wit orchestrated a calculated scheme to alter the couple’s Will. He ultimately murdered the couple in their home with a view to securing a controlling stake in their thriving shower mat business. In...
Read Blog
The Drowning Of Paula Leeson: Channel 5 Programme Rediscovers Tragic Case Of £4 Million Heiress Unlawfully Killed By Husband
The tragic death of Paula Leeson – an heiress with a £4 million fortune who drowned in a swimming pool whilst on holiday in 2017 – is the topic of Channel 5's new gripping documentary that aired at 8pm on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Paula's husband, Donald McPherson, claimed to be asleep when Paula died and said that her 13 injuries, including...
Read Blog
Keeping the Farm - and the Family - Together: Why Mediation Works in Inheritance Disputes
In the agricultural world, land is more than just property - it’s heritage, livelihood, and identity. For many farming families, the passing down of land through generations is expected but not always properly formalised. Inheritance disputes involving farmland often carry deep emotional and financial stakes. They’re not just about who gets what...
Read Blog
Can an Executor Challenge or Dispute a Will?
Our Contentious Probate solicitors explore whether an executor can challenge or dispute a Will, the responsibilities and legal obligations of an executor, and the process of renouncing executorship if a conflict of interest arises.
Read Blog
Christmas Clauses and Family Feuds – Unwrapping Hirachand v Hirachand
Christmas comes early for Contentious Probate lawyers eagerly awaiting the decision of a landmark appeal case, Hirachand v Hirachand [2024] UKSC 43. The appeal was heard back in January 2024 and the Supreme Court’s Judgment was finally handed down today, giving Contentious Probate lawyers something to read over Christmas. Our Contentious Probate...
Read Blog
Armstrong v Armstrong: A High Court Ruling Shaping Contentious Probate and Proprietary Estoppel Claims
The recent high court case of Armstrong v Armstrong, 2024 EWHC 2989 Ch highlights the potential disputes that can arise on the death of a member of an agricultural family. Our Agricultural Lawyers explore the recent High Court case - a pivotal ruling that sheds light on contentious probate disputes and the doctrine of proprietary estoppel within...
Read Blog
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the Act”)
When someone dies, their estate is usually passed on according to their Will or, if there is no Will, under the intestacy rules. But in some circumstances, the terms of their Will or the intestacy rules do not make adequate financial provision for a close family member who is in need of financial support, or for someone who was financially...
Read Blog
How to Remove an Executor From A Will
What can be done if the Executor of a loved one's estate is not handling the estate assets properly? Our Contentious Probate Solicitors explain the legal process for removing an Executor who fails to properly administer a deceased person's estate, including court procedures and key considerations.
Read Blog
Coronation Street's Inheritance Secret
Coronation Street fans will no doubt be aware of the ongoing storyline regarding a recently discovered Will of Archie Shuttleworth (played by the late Roy Hudd). In 2018, Archie's son, George Shuttleworth (played by Tony Maudsley), had been left his father's undertakers' business following his father's death. George worked in the business on the...
Read Blog
Secret Trusts
A person’s last Will and Testament becomes a public document once probate has been granted. The Wills Act 1837 is an anti-fraud device to make sure a Will is genuine by complying with certain formality requirements. Section 9 of the Act outlines that a valid Will should be: In writing; Signed by the testator with intention; The signature is made...
Read Blog
Challenging the Validity of a Will: Entering a Probate Caveat
If you have concerns about the validity of a Will, one of the first protective steps you may wish to consider is entering a caveat at the Probate Registry. A caveat prevents the executors from obtaining a Grant, effectively pausing the administration of the estate. This can give you valuable time to investigate the circumstances surrounding the...
Read BlogMeet Our Contentious Probate Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our contentious probate lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.