Olivia Shorrock
Olivia advises on complex inheritance disputes, combining strong trial experience with a clear, empathetic and client-focused approach.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
British Wills and Probate Awards
Biography
Olivia joined the team in 2024. Before joining Myerson, she trained at a regional firm where she gained valuable experience handling a mixed caseload of general litigation matters.
Olivia acts on a wide range of disputes, including Will validity challenges, executor disputes, applications for the removal of executors, and both claimant and defendant claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
She has gained valuable trial experience, having been involved in two trials since joining Myerson. The first (Neate v Heselden) involved successfully defending a Will validity challenge, and the second (Canarapen v Gauchenot) was in respect of a successful claim to uphold a Deed of Variation that had been challenged.These cases have received significant press attention and are helpful in setting a precedent in this niche area of law.
Olivia prides herself on building strong client relationships and guiding them through what are emotionally challenging and complex disputes with empathy and clarity.
Olivia is currently working towards ACTAPS accreditation and is looking forward to becoming a full member.
Recent Experience
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.
The case presented several complexities. Watts’s estate changes were significant, transferring primary inheritance from a family member to a non-relative, which can often lead to suspicion in probate cases. Proving Watts’s mental clarity and independence at the time of the will’s execution required careful evidence analysis, especially given the relationship dynamics with his stepdaughter.
Myerson’s contentious probate team, led by Senior Associate Eleanor Clarke, meticulously reviewed medical records, personal testimonies, and the timeline of the will’s changes. The team built a strong case for Pope, focusing on Watts’s clear testamentary intent and the nature of his estrangement from Neate, which added context to the will's contents.
The High Court upheld the will, dismissing Neate’s objections and affirming the validity of Watts’s final wishes. Pope retained her rightful inheritance under the will.
Reported on in The Telegraph, Mail Online, The Times, The Mirror and The Sun.
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 Wills & Probate Team (Large)
2025Insights & Media
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
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 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.