Krishna Patel

ASSOCIATE
Krishna Patel is an Associate in the Contentious Trusts and Estates team and a Full Member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

She advises clients on a broad range of contentious probate, trust and estate disputes, combining specialist litigation expertise with a detailed understanding of estate planning, trusts and estate administration.

Krishna specialises in contentious probate and trust litigation, acting for executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, charities, and high-net-worth individuals in disputes arising from contested estates, trusts, and succession arrangements. Having started her career in Private Client, she brings a detailed understanding of estate planning, trust structures, and estate administration to her contentious practice. This enables her to provide practical, commercially focused, and strategic advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Krishna regularly advises on will validity disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, trust disputes, proprietary estoppel claims and estate administration disputes. She also advises on disputes with international elements, including cross-border estates, trusts and succession issues, and frequently works alongside overseas lawyers and professional advisers in multi-jurisdictional matters.

Krishna has experience in mediation and negotiated settlements, whilst also advising clients through litigation where necessary. She recognises that these disputes are often emotionally sensitive and works closely with clients to identify both legal and practical solutions that achieve the best possible outcome.

Expertise
Challenging a Will Inheritance Disputes Trusts & Estates Disputes Claims Against Trustees & Other Fiduciaries
Credentials
Solicitor of England and Wales (qualified 2021)
LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
MSc Law, Business and Management
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Fluent in Gujarati and Hindi
Advised clients in disputes concerning the validity of wills, including allegations of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud and lack of knowledge and approval.
Successfully defended a will challenge involving allegations of fraudulent execution.
Acted in Inheritance Act claims on behalf of spouses, children, cohabitees and dependants seeking reasonable financial provision from estates.
Negotiated a settlement on behalf of an estranged child under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 resulting in the client receiving one-third of the estate.
Successfully resolved a defended Inheritance Act claim within 48 hours, securing a favourable settlement for the client.
Advised trustees and beneficiaries in disputes concerning the management, administration and distribution of trust assets, including trusts holding property valued in excess of £1 million.
Acted in disputes involving substantial lifetime gifts and challenges to the distribution of estate assets, including matters involving assets valued at approximately £1.9 million.
Represented clients in mediation and settlement negotiations to achieve practical and cost-effective resolutions in contentious probate and trust disputes.
Advised personal representatives, executors and administrators in disputes relating to estate administration, potentially devastating claims and professional negligence issues.