Stephanie Ewan
Stephanie specialises in a wide range of contentious probate matters. She is committed to getting the best results for her clients and is recognised by the Legal 500 for her work in this area.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
British Wills and Probate Awards
Biography
Stephanie works within our busy probate litigation department.
She has considerable experience working on complex and multi-million-pound claims and has a strong reputation in this practice area. This is reflected by the referrals Stephanie receives from both solicitors (some of whom have been on the other side of previous matters) and counsel.
Stephanie completed a history degree at the University of Liverpool in 2011, gaining a 2.1 BA (Hons). Following this, she studied the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Chester, gaining a distinction in both courses and a 1st class LLB overall.
After completing the Legal Practice Course in 2014, Stephanie joined national firm, Linder Myers, where she worked as a paralegal before beginning her training contract.
Stephanie joined Myerson upon the completion of her training contract in October 2017 and qualified as a solicitor in the Probate Litigation department shortly afterwards.
She has received glowing compliments from both counsel and clients in her handling of cases which is reflected by her recognition in the Legal 500 as rising star from 2021 – 2024, as a Leading Associate in 2025 – 2026 and with her nomination for Private Client rising star of the year in the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards in 2024.
Stephanie has been described as being “an up and coming talent in contentious probate” who has “expertise and knowledge well beyond her qualification” in the Legal 500.
Stephanie has written articles for Today’s Wills and Probate and is a full member of ACTAPS as well as being an active member of ConTrA and NCPG.
Client Feedback
Legal 500, 2020
Professional etiquette and empathy are outstanding qualities in both Helen Thompson and Stephanie Ewan with whom I have worked. They stand apart from competitors because they work tirelessly for the right results in the end. They possess many admirable qualities but their stand out attribute is their honesty and commitment to the astonishing work they do.
Ms Syme
Great level of expertise and scope in all areas.
Legal 500, 2023
I have worked with Stephanie Ewan who greatly impresses. It was an extremely fraught case which she completely took in her stride. She was focused in her advice, knew where the case needed to go and was sensitive and compassionate with the client.
Legal 500, 2022
Stephanie and Ryan are very professional and patient. They will help you with any questions you may have.
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, 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, 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 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.
Anonymous
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you again for all your help over the past year. You're a credit to your profession.
Anonymous
Thank you very much for your excellent work on this case. We would highly recommend your services.
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.
Anonymous
I would like to personally thank you for the excellent work you both did in connection with the Office of Public Guardian in relation to my mother. I found you both to be efficient and pleasant to deal with and the case came to a swift conclusion against the odds during the Covid-19 period which wouldn’t have happened without your assistance. I would have no hesitation in recommending your firm and you both. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Barry
You have changed my life I cannot thank you enough
Allison
The service we received from Myerson was exceptional. Very professional and giving excellent client care with a very personal touch. All the Solicitors involved in our case, went out of their way to help us, giving us all the support we needed. I can see why they are rated among The Top 200 Best Law Firms 2019 in The Times newspaper. Thank you for all your support and hard work.
David & Anne Droylsden
I would like on behalf of myself and Anne thank you for your help, advice and professionalism in what was a difficult time for us, you informed us from the beginning about costs and the service we could expect from you and this never wavered. We would certainly recommend Myerson Solicitors and if the need arises in the future we shall be in touch, once again thank you Stephanie Ewan.
Anonymous
Thank you for all your hard work, thank you also for your very kind gesture that is really appreciated.
Anonymous
Left out of a will is the most upsetting time you don’t think it will happen to you. I picked up the phone and phoned Myersons solicitors
Little did I know where this would end..until Stephanie Ewan called me WOW. This lady picked me up put me where I belonged. Stephanie and her team WON my case for me, I cannot thank her enough for what she did....If you want the best go to Myersons with a very very big thank you.
Mr Morgan
I just wanted to thank you for your brilliant work on my case. I know it wasn't the easiest of cases and I wasn't the easiest of clients you've ever had. But I would like to thank you and your team for your hard work. Also Stephanie was excellent. Please pass on my gratitude to her. I'm really grateful for what you did for me. I can now move on with my life thanks to you. You have my deepest respect.
Recent Experience
Examples of Stephanie’s recent notable matters include:
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims
- Acting for the stepson of the Deceased and obtaining a successful outcome at trial, including a contribution towards his Conditional Fee Agreement success fee, Higgins v Morgan and others [2021] EWHC 2846 (Ch).
- Acting for the spouse of the Deceased and obtaining a successful outcome at trial, Smith v Derbyshire (reported on WestLaw – 2018 WL 02022299).
- Acting for the Defendants in a contentious and complex multi-million-pound claim and assisting in the settlement of the matter.
- Successfully obtaining regular interim provision for the Claimant where he was in an extremely poor financial position.
Claims challenging the validity of Wills/Codicils
- Acting for the successful claimant at trial in Smith v Ganning (currently unreported), involving a challenge to the validity of the claimant’s mother’s Will for failure to comply with the requirements of section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
- Acting in respect of validity challenges to Wills and Codicils on the grounds of lack of capacity, want of knowledge and approval, undue influence and improper execution.
- Successfully obtaining an order for examination of a Will draftsman pursuant to section 122 Senior Courts Act 1981 where he had failed to properly reply to a Larke v Nugus request.
- Defending a claim to prove a Will in solemn form.
Other cases
- Acting in claims pursuant to constructive and resulting trust, proprietary estoppel and death bed gifts.
- Acting for the successful claimant at trial in White v White (currently unreported) and obtaining the removal of an executor who had failed to properly administer the estate. An independent solicitor was appointed to deal with the estate administration in the executor’s place.
- Successfully obtaining an order to remove a Personal Representative where they had acted improperly in an estate administration and replacing them with our clients.
- Acting in a dispute in an intestate estate as to the identity of the person entitled to extract a Grant of Letters of Administration, Re Okanlawon [2019] Probate Registry.
- Acting for executors in applications to prove copy Wills.
- Acting in a statutory Will case in the Court of Protection.
- Acting for Attorneys in obtaining an order for sale of a property in relation to a person who lacked mental capacity.
- Acting for the Claimant in enforcing the terms of a court order and successfully obtaining an order for sale of a property.
Awards & Rankings
Legal 500 — Leading Associate
2025
British Wills and Probate Awards — Best Contentious Wills & Probate Team (Large)
2025
Legal 500 — Rising Star
2024
Legal 500 — Rising Star
2023
Legal 500 — Rising Star
2022
Legal 500 — Rising Star
2021Memberships
- Actaps (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) Accredited
- Member of ConTrA (The Contentious Trusts Association)
- Member of NCPG (Northern Contentious Probate Group)
Insights & Media
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Cut Out Of A Will In Favour Of The Family Dog?
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Lifetime Gifts and Section 10 of the Inheritance Act
If you have been left out of a Will , received less than you believed you would or do not inherit under the intestacy rules, you may have a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“ the Act ”). This is a claim seeking “reasonable financial provision” from an estate. Only certain categories of people can bring...
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Informal Agreements and Probate Disputes: The Risk of Handshake Deals
Informal family arrangements and verbal promises are a common cause of probate disputes, particularly in farming families and family‑run businesses. While these “handshake deals” may feel fair and binding at the time they are made, they can lead to costly and emotionally charged inheritance disputes after death. Our Contentious Probate lawyers...
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Made in Chelsea and the 1975 Act: Lessons from O’Herlihy v Taylor on Late Inheritance Claims
A recent High Court decision in O’Herlihy v Taylor has attracted media attention due to the involvement of Lonan O’Herlihy, who appears on Made in Chelsea.
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The High Bar for Overturning a Will: Lessons from Aysel Gencay v Dogan Halil
In Autumn 2025, the Central London County Court delivered a judgment that reasserts one of the core principles of English and Welsh inheritance law: that the courts are extremely reluctant to overturn a valid will unless there is compelling evidence that it was not the free and informed decision of the testator. The case of Aysel Gencay v Dogan...
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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...
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What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
When someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy . But what does this mean, and what happens when a dispute arises? In this blog, our Contentious Probate and Wills, Trusts and Probate Lawyers give their expert view.
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.