Executor Disputes
Helping resolve disputes that are holding up an estate
When disagreements arise during the administration of an estate, progress can quickly grind to a halt. Executors may face allegations that they are acting improperly, beneficiaries can become frustrated by delays or a lack of information, and family tensions can make matters worse. What should be a straightforward process can become stressful, expensive and increasingly difficult to resolve.
We regularly advise on disputes involving:
- Delays in the administration of an estate.
- Executors refusing or failing to provide information.
- Concerns about how estate assets have been managed.
- Disputes between co-executors about the administration of an estate.
- Allegations that an executor has breached their duties.
- Applications to remove or replace an executor or administrator.
- Disagreements over distributions or decisions made during the administration process.
These disputes can leave beneficiaries uncertain about what is happening to their inheritance and executors unsure about what they should do next. Taking legal advice can help establish whether concerns are justified, what obligations apply and what can be done to move matters forward.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we act for both executors and beneficiaries in estate administration disputes. As well as advising on contentious probate claims, we regularly assist with the administration of estates, giving us first-hand insight into how executors are expected to perform their role.
This combination of experience allows us to understand the position from both sides and provide informed, balanced advice. Where possible, we look for ways to resolve disagreements without unnecessary escalation, while taking firm action where a dispute cannot be resolved through discussion.
Our aim is to help bring clarity to difficult estate disputes, protect our clients’ interests and, wherever possible, get the administration of the estate back on track so that everyone involved can move forward.
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‘Tim was always calm and caring….we cannot thank him enough for bringing this lengthy dispute to a successful conclusion. We would highly recommend Tim Jones at Ellis-Fermor & Negus’
Tim Jones
Director and Solicitor
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Specialist department led by Director, Tim Jones – a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Contentious Trusts Association (CONTRA).
Consistent track record of resolving cases, often by negotiation or mediation.
We do not operate on a high-volume model, allowing us to give each case the care and attention it deserves.
Experience acting for all parties – claimant, defendant, executor or beneficiary – with a clear understanding of how each side approaches risk and resolution.
Backed by an experienced team specialising in wills, probate and estate administration, working alongside our contentious probate specialists.
Meet the team
Tim Jones
Dispute Resolution/Litigation Tim qualified as a solicitor in 2012 having previously studied at the University of Sheffield and Nottingham Law School. He joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 2010 and became a Director in 2025. Tim provides advice and representation in relation to a range of civil disputes but with a particular emphasis on:- Inheritance disputes/contested…
Charlotte Price
Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2025 having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023. Prior to that, she studied LLB Law at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022 with a first. She then completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. Charlotte provides advice on a range of civil disputes…
0115 972 5222
Charlotte.Price@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Charlotte Price is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Reviews, what our clients are saying…
Executor Disputes – Frequently Asked Questions
An executor dispute arises when there is disagreement about how an executor is managing an estate. This may involve delays, poor decision-making, conflicts of interest, or allegations that the executor has breached their legal duties.
This service is for you if:
- You are an executor facing criticism, allegations, or formal claims from beneficiaries
- You are a beneficiary concerned about delays, mismanagement, or unfair distribution
- You are a co-executor experiencing conflict with another executor
- You want clear, honest advice about your rights, duties, and next steps
This service may not be right for you if:
- The estate is being administered smoothly with no disagreement
- You are seeking guaranteed outcomes or instant results
We provide realistic advice based on the facts of your case, the law, and the available evidence.
This service is for you if:
- You are an executor facing criticism, allegations, or formal claims from beneficiaries
- You are a beneficiary concerned about delays, mismanagement, or unfair distribution
- You are a co-executor experiencing conflict with another executor
- You want clear, honest advice about your rights, duties, and next steps
This service may not be right for you if:
- The estate is being administered smoothly with no disagreement
- You are seeking guaranteed outcomes or instant results
We provide realistic advice based on the facts of your case, the law, and the available evidence.
Executor disputes can arise for many reasons. We regularly advise on disputes involving:
- Breach of fiduciary duty – where an executor fails to act in the best interests of beneficiaries
- Mismanagement of the estate – including errors, delays, poor record-keeping, or negligence
- Delays in administration – where estates are not progressed within a reasonable timeframe
- Disputes over asset distribution – disagreements about how the estate is being shared
- Executor remuneration disputes – challenges to fees, expenses, or payments taken
- Conflict of interest or bias – where an executor may be favouring certain beneficiaries
- Failure to provide information – refusal or delay in providing estate accounts or updates
These disputes often overlap and can escalate quickly without appropriate intervention.
We have extensive experience resolving executor disputes and contentious probate claims, always aiming to achieve practical outcomes while managing cost and stress.
Our experience includes:
- Advising executors facing allegations of mismanagement and resolving disputes without court action
- Supporting beneficiaries challenging delays or unfair distribution and securing fair settlements
- Acting in high-conflict family disputes with multiple beneficiaries
- Handling complex estates involving property, businesses, or significant assets
We combine technical legal expertise with a calm, compassionate approach, supporting you from initial advice through to resolution.
Executors owe fiduciary duties to beneficiaries, including duties to:
- Act in the best interests of the estate
- Act impartially between beneficiaries
- Keep accurate accounts
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Administer the estate without unnecessary delay
Contact Us
If you are involved in an executor dispute or concerned about the administration of an estate, our contentious probate team can provide confidential, expert advice.
Email: contestedprobate@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us