{"id":26479,"date":"2025-07-24T13:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T12:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/?post_type=topics&p=26479"},"modified":"2026-02-06T09:19:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:19:17","slug":"uk-private-wealth-planning-and-disputes-market-developments-and-trends-summer-2025","status":"publish","type":"topics","link":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/uk-private-wealth-planning-and-disputes-market-developments-and-trends-summer-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"UK private wealth planning and disputes: Market developments and trends \u2013 summer 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The private wealth management market is a relatively stable one where work remains abundant. But, as outlined in the Chambers roundup last year<\/a>, a few factors continue to influence trends in this space, namely the Great Wealth transfer between generations, the rise of capacity issues in private wealth disputes, and a difficult economy and rising asset prices<\/a> that make litigation over wills and trusts more attractive. The continuing rise of inheritance and succession disputes, the growing importance of executor-focused litigation, and the swelling offshore trust disputes market have been common themes during the Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> research cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The market for contentious work remains busy with succession related disputes. Families are becoming more complex and international, and individuals often have varied ideas about how family wealth should be managed and distributed. \u201cTraditional chancery is a growing market, and the particular area of growth is succession disputes,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. Another source noted that \u201cmore inter-generational challenges are arising as businesses haven’t been handed over properly. We are also seeing tons of cross-jurisdictional families with business interests gone wrong, especially in the context of the changing budget and economic conditions. Values of disputes thereby have gone up too.\u201d<\/em> Practitioners also highlighted a related increase in capacity elements in these cases. \u201cCase law isn\u2019t keeping up with the aging generation – capacity is definitely front and centre now as the focus is so much on testamentary capacity,\u201d<\/em> said a source. Another commentator pointed out the \u201cincreased rate of capacity issues with an aging population and depressingly declining NHS services,\u201d <\/em>and added that \u201cthere are more capacity issues lately which lead to more disputes, particularly will challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

While intra-family disagreements remain important, there also appears to be an uptick in executor-related matters. This is a continuing trend, but this year it seems to be stronger among those focussing on domestic work. \u201cTrust disputes continue to be on the rise, particularly where beneficiaries challenge management decisions of trustees and executors in high income estates,\u201d<\/em> said one lawyer, adding that \u201cwe suspect this will continue with prospective budget announcements.\u201d<\/em> A commensurate rise in independent administrator appointments was highlighted by commentators. One interviewee said: \u201cWe have seen a real growth in independent administrations and there is a dispute between executors. They are also generally incredibly complex and high value, which is what justifies a professional administrator.\u201d<\/em> Another interviewee observed that \u201cto avoid incurring huge legal costs in the long run and contentious proceedings, we are seeing more independent administrator appointments.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Trust and other matters related to wealth transfers have continued to have an international flavour. Firms and sets more usually associated with domestic matters are having to develop international expertise to cater to a broader range of clients. Dubai and Singapore were highlighted as major centres generating work.  \u201cWe have expanded a lot to do cross-border litigation work. Global geopolitical issues also affect the work of clients, and now there is lots of exodus from England. International families find London or Dubai useful as it is at the centre of the clock,\u201d <\/em>said one lawyer. Another commentator observed that \u201cSingapore is quite popular now for these disputes, so it is a growing, important centre for the London market. Having capabilities in key jurisdictions in Asia and the Middle East is key for firms to do well in this area.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of the offshore market, \u201cthe trend is really a lot more offshore work, and it is taking up more time as part of our work, and probably not something we did much ten years ago,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. A solicitor said: \u201cThe interconnection of corporate, tax and complex business holdings is important in the work now. While traditional private client firms have great English estates work, it is not the most profitable. More offshore work is what they need to be competing for.\u201d<\/em>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a growing differentiation in the private wealth disputes market. Some firms are taking on a significant amount of  domestic matters, such as Inheritance Act 1975 claims, contested probate and property matters. Other firms are looking internationally and now focus their time on heavyweight offshore trust disputes. As one City solicitor put it: \u201cThere is a sort of split in the private wealth disputes market. There is a strong domestic market and a second group of firms dealing with international cross-border trusts and structuring questions. These firms usually have teams across borders and can serve these clients a lot better.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contentious and non-contentious private wealth work remains a growth area for firms. This is reflected in this year\u2019s Private Wealth Disputes – London<\/a> and Private Wealth Law – London<\/a> rankings. Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> also includes for the first time a Landed Estates \u2013 UK-wide category.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"publication":[],"blocks":[{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

The private wealth management market is a relatively stable one where work remains abundant. But, as outlined in the Chambers roundup last year<\/a>, a few factors continue to influence trends in this space, namely the Great Wealth transfer between generations, the rise of capacity issues in private wealth disputes, and a difficult economy and rising asset prices<\/a> that make litigation over wills and trusts more attractive. The continuing rise of inheritance and succession disputes, the growing importance of executor-focused litigation, and the swelling offshore trust disputes market have been common themes during the Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> research cycle.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

The private wealth management market is a relatively stable one where work remains abundant. But, as outlined in the Chambers roundup last year<\/a>, a few factors continue to influence trends in this space, namely the Great Wealth transfer between generations, the rise of capacity issues in private wealth disputes, and a difficult economy and rising asset prices<\/a> that make litigation over wills and trusts more attractive. The continuing rise of inheritance and succession disputes, the growing importance of executor-focused litigation, and the swelling offshore trust disputes market have been common themes during the Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> research cycle.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"The Continued Upsurge in Inheritance and Succession Disputes ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"1sNdqK","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1sNdqK"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

The market for contentious work remains busy with succession related disputes. Families are becoming more complex and international, and individuals often have varied ideas about how family wealth should be managed and distributed. \u201cTraditional chancery is a growing market, and the particular area of growth is succession disputes,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. Another source noted that \u201cmore inter-generational challenges are arising as businesses haven't been handed over properly. We are also seeing tons of cross-jurisdictional families with business interests gone wrong, especially in the context of the changing budget and economic conditions. Values of disputes thereby have gone up too.\u201d<\/em> Practitioners also highlighted a related increase in capacity elements in these cases. \u201cCase law isn\u2019t keeping up with the aging generation - capacity is definitely front and centre now as the focus is so much on testamentary capacity,\u201d<\/em> said a source. Another commentator pointed out the \u201cincreased rate of capacity issues with an aging population and depressingly declining NHS services,\u201d <\/em>and added that \u201cthere are more capacity issues lately which lead to more disputes, particularly will challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

The market for contentious work remains busy with succession related disputes. Families are becoming more complex and international, and individuals often have varied ideas about how family wealth should be managed and distributed. \u201cTraditional chancery is a growing market, and the particular area of growth is succession disputes,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. Another source noted that \u201cmore inter-generational challenges are arising as businesses haven't been handed over properly. We are also seeing tons of cross-jurisdictional families with business interests gone wrong, especially in the context of the changing budget and economic conditions. Values of disputes thereby have gone up too.\u201d<\/em> Practitioners also highlighted a related increase in capacity elements in these cases. \u201cCase law isn\u2019t keeping up with the aging generation - capacity is definitely front and centre now as the focus is so much on testamentary capacity,\u201d<\/em> said a source. Another commentator pointed out the \u201cincreased rate of capacity issues with an aging population and depressingly declining NHS services,\u201d <\/em>and added that \u201cthere are more capacity issues lately which lead to more disputes, particularly will challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"An Uptick in Executor-focused Disputes","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"1qnghn","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1qnghn"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

While intra-family disagreements remain important, there also appears to be an uptick in executor-related matters. This is a continuing trend, but this year it seems to be stronger among those focussing on domestic work. \u201cTrust disputes continue to be on the rise, particularly where beneficiaries challenge management decisions of trustees and executors in high income estates,\u201d<\/em> said one lawyer, adding that \u201cwe suspect this will continue with prospective budget announcements.\u201d<\/em> A commensurate rise in independent administrator appointments was highlighted by commentators. One interviewee said: \u201cWe have seen a real growth in independent administrations and there is a dispute between executors. They are also generally incredibly complex and high value, which is what justifies a professional administrator.\u201d<\/em> Another interviewee observed that \u201cto avoid incurring huge legal costs in the long run and contentious proceedings, we are seeing more independent administrator appointments.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

While intra-family disagreements remain important, there also appears to be an uptick in executor-related matters. This is a continuing trend, but this year it seems to be stronger among those focussing on domestic work. \u201cTrust disputes continue to be on the rise, particularly where beneficiaries challenge management decisions of trustees and executors in high income estates,\u201d<\/em> said one lawyer, adding that \u201cwe suspect this will continue with prospective budget announcements.\u201d<\/em> A commensurate rise in independent administrator appointments was highlighted by commentators. One interviewee said: \u201cWe have seen a real growth in independent administrations and there is a dispute between executors. They are also generally incredibly complex and high value, which is what justifies a professional administrator.\u201d<\/em> Another interviewee observed that \u201cto avoid incurring huge legal costs in the long run and contentious proceedings, we are seeing more independent administrator appointments.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"The Continued Rise of Offshore and Cross-Border Trust Matters","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"ZDVja3","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZDVja3"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

Trust and other matters related to wealth transfers have continued to have an international flavour. Firms and sets more usually associated with domestic matters are having to develop international expertise to cater to a broader range of clients. Dubai and Singapore were highlighted as major centres generating work.  \u201cWe have expanded a lot to do cross-border litigation work. Global geopolitical issues also affect the work of clients, and now there is lots of exodus from England. International families find London or Dubai useful as it is at the centre of the clock,\u201d <\/em>said one lawyer. Another commentator observed that \u201cSingapore is quite popular now for these disputes, so it is a growing, important centre for the London market. Having capabilities in key jurisdictions in Asia and the Middle East is key for firms to do well in this area.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

Trust and other matters related to wealth transfers have continued to have an international flavour. Firms and sets more usually associated with domestic matters are having to develop international expertise to cater to a broader range of clients. Dubai and Singapore were highlighted as major centres generating work.  \u201cWe have expanded a lot to do cross-border litigation work. Global geopolitical issues also affect the work of clients, and now there is lots of exodus from England. International families find London or Dubai useful as it is at the centre of the clock,\u201d <\/em>said one lawyer. Another commentator observed that \u201cSingapore is quite popular now for these disputes, so it is a growing, important centre for the London market. Having capabilities in key jurisdictions in Asia and the Middle East is key for firms to do well in this area.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

In terms of the offshore market, \u201cthe trend is really a lot more offshore work, and it is taking up more time as part of our work, and probably not something we did much ten years ago,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. A solicitor said: \u201cThe interconnection of corporate, tax and complex business holdings is important in the work now. While traditional private client firms have great English estates work, it is not the most profitable. More offshore work is what they need to be competing for.\u201d<\/em>  <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

In terms of the offshore market, \u201cthe trend is really a lot more offshore work, and it is taking up more time as part of our work, and probably not something we did much ten years ago,\u201d<\/em> observed a barrister. A solicitor said: \u201cThe interconnection of corporate, tax and complex business holdings is important in the work now. While traditional private client firms have great English estates work, it is not the most profitable. More offshore work is what they need to be competing for.\u201d<\/em>  <\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

There is a growing differentiation in the private wealth disputes market. Some firms are taking on a significant amount of  domestic matters, such as Inheritance Act 1975 claims, contested probate and property matters. Other firms are looking internationally and now focus their time on heavyweight offshore trust disputes. As one City solicitor put it: \u201cThere is a sort of split in the private wealth disputes market. There is a strong domestic market and a second group of firms dealing with international cross-border trusts and structuring questions. These firms usually have teams across borders and can serve these clients a lot better.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

There is a growing differentiation in the private wealth disputes market. Some firms are taking on a significant amount of  domestic matters, such as Inheritance Act 1975 claims, contested probate and property matters. Other firms are looking internationally and now focus their time on heavyweight offshore trust disputes. As one City solicitor put it: \u201cThere is a sort of split in the private wealth disputes market. There is a strong domestic market and a second group of firms dealing with international cross-border trusts and structuring questions. These firms usually have teams across borders and can serve these clients a lot better.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

Contentious and non-contentious private wealth work remains a growth area for firms. This is reflected in this year\u2019s Private Wealth Disputes - London<\/a> and Private Wealth Law - London<\/a> rankings. Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> also includes for the first time a Landed Estates \u2013 UK-wide category.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

Contentious and non-contentious private wealth work remains a growth area for firms. This is reflected in this year\u2019s Private Wealth Disputes - London<\/a> and Private Wealth Law - London<\/a> rankings. Chambers High Net Worth 2025<\/a> also includes for the first time a Landed Estates \u2013 UK-wide category.<\/p>\n"]}],"new_scheduled_revision":null,"save_as_revision":null,"acf":{"custom_url":{"base_url":"guides","category":""},"sponsored_page":false,"href_lang":false,"title":"Written By Srishti Krishnakumar","sponsors_list":{"sponsors":[{"name":"Srishti Krishnakumar","website":"","logo":"https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16170532\/defaultauthor-1.png","display_order":"0"}],"showhide_borders":false},"useful_links":false,"social_sharing_post_options":{"alignment":"left","sticky":false},"template":{"name":"text-rich-media","sticky_sidebar":false},"hero_title":"","hero_description":"","hero_content_color":"light","hero_enable_responsive_images":false,"hero_image":false,"hero_retina_image":false},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n