Jade Smith
Jade has experience in a broad range of contentious probate matters, including Will validity disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and disputes between executors, trustees and beneficiaries.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
British Wills and Probate Awards
Biography
Jade completed her law degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with a First-Class BA (Hons). She then studied the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Manchester, achieving a distinction while gaining valuable practical experience working as a Legal PA at Myerson.
Jade went on to complete her training contract at Myerson, where she built a strong foundation in the field. She qualified as a solicitor in the firm’s Probate Litigation Department, where she advises clients on complex and sensitive probate disputes.
Following Jade’s qualification, she has gained valuable experience in the field, having assisted on complex probate disputes. In particular, Jade was involved in a high-profile, contentious probate case, Neate v Heselden, which resulted in a successful defence of a Will validity challenge, which had also attracted media attention.
Jade prides herself on being approachable and client-focused, emphasising clear communication and high-quality client service. She understands that probate disputes can be emotionally challenging and is committed to guiding clients through the process with sensitivity, professionalism, and practical advice.
Recent Experience
Assisted on Neate v Heselden - Securing Will Validity
In the Neate v Heselden case, we represented Susan Pope, a friend and carer of the deceased, Raymond Watts, who had amended his will to leave her the bulk of his estate. Watts’s stepdaughter, Beverley Neate, challenged the will’s validity, alleging that he lacked full understanding and approval when making these changes due to alleged undue influence.
Reported on in The Telegraph, Mail Online, The Times, The Mirror and The Sun.
Assisted on Canarapen v Gauchenot – Declaration that Deed of Variation is Binding
The dispute concerned the £1.7 million estate of Mrs Gauchenot’s late mother, including a substantial Fulham property.
Following her mother’s death, Mrs Gauchenot reconnected with her nephew, and he assisted her with the estate, including overseeing repair works to the property. Mrs Gauchenot, who has no children of her own, subsequently executed a Deed of Variation transferring her entire one-third interest in the estate to him.
When relations later deteriorated, Mrs Gauchenot sought to revoke the Deed. Myerson’s Contentious Probate team acted for Mr Canarapen in issuing a claim for a declaration confirming the validity of the Deed.
At trial before Master Pester, Mrs Gauchenot argued that the Deed had not been delivered and was executed under a mistake.
The Court rejected all arguments, finding that she had unequivocally delivered the Deed and that her alleged misunderstanding fell far short of a mistake warranting rescission.
A late application to amend her defence to allege that the delivery of the Deed was subject to conditions was also refused.
The Court declared the Deed of Variation to be valid, effective and binding, confirming that a properly executed and delivered Deed cannot later be revoked.
Awards & Rankings
British Wills and Probate Awards — Best Contentious Probate Team
2025Insights & Media
When Silence Leads to Conflict: The Most Common Disputes We See After Someone Dies
The death of a loved one should mark a period of reflection and closure. However, for many families, a lack of clarity or communication may result in legal disputes after death. In this blog, our Probate Dispute Lawyers outline the most common contentious probate disputes we encounter and why they arise.
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Caveats, Warnings and Removal: A Practical Guide for Probate Practitioners
In this practical post-event webinar, Myerson Solicitors explored the legal and procedural complexities surrounding caveats , warnings and their removal in probate disputes , offering practitioners clear guidance on navigating one of the most misunderstood areas of contentious probate practice. The session provided a practical examination of the...
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