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Charity Dispute Solicitors

Charities play a vital role in our communities, often depending on gifts and legacies left in wills. But when a charity becomes involved in a dispute, whether over a will, a trust, or the management of charitable funds, the legal and reputational stakes can be high.

When Charity and Legacy Disputes Arise

Charities play a vital role in our communities, often depending on gifts and legacies left in wills. But when a charity becomes involved in a dispute, whether over a will, a trust, or the management of charitable funds, the legal and reputational stakes can be high.

At IMD Solicitors we advise charity trustees, executors, and beneficiaries in disputes involving charitable gifts, legacy challenges, and trustee duties. Our focus is on resolving matters swiftly, protecting charitable assets, and maintaining public confidence in the charity’s work.

Common Charity Disputes

  • Disputes between charity trustees about governance or use of charitable funds
  • Breach of trust or mismanagement of charitable assets
  • Cy-près applications to vary charitable trusts that can no longer be fulfilled
  • Disputes between charities and executors regarding entitlement to legacies or interpretation of wills
  • Negotiation of settlements involving multiple charitable beneficiaries
  • Challenges to charitable gifts under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
  • Claims that a will leaving funds to a charity is invalid due to lack of capacity, undue influence, or fraud

Our Expertise

Our team combines specialist knowledge of trusts, estates, and probate litigation with a deep understanding of how charities operate. We act for:

  • Charity trustees in disputes concerning administration, removal, or compliance with fiduciary duties
  • Executors and estate administrators where charitable gifts are disputed or require variation
  • Beneficiaries or family members who wish to challenge or defend charitable legacies under the Inheritance Act or on grounds of invalidity

We regularly handle applications involving:

  • Section 50 Administration of Justice Act 1985 (removal or replacement of executors)
  • Cy-près schemes and trust variations, whether by agreement or court application
  • Beddoe applications and court directions for trustees and executors managing contested charitable funds

How We Can Help

  • Advise charity trustees on managing or avoiding disputes
  • Represent charities defending or asserting entitlement to a legacy
  • Act for executors and administrators in disputes involving charitable beneficiaries
  • Bring or defend claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
  • Apply for cy-près schemes or directions to repurpose charitable funds
  • Represent parties in mediation or contested court proceedings

Our Family law experts are here to help you

For an initial consultation, call our UK International Family Solicitors on 0330 107 0107 or request a free call back.

Our Approach

  • Balanced and pragmatic – we recognise that reputation and public trust are as important as legal outcome
  • Specialist expertise – we advise across legacy disputes, trust law, and charitable gifts
  • Clarity and communication – we liaise sensitively with charity boards, trustees, and beneficiaries
  • Early resolution – we focus on negotiation and mediation to minimise cost and publicity

Example Cases

  • Acted for a hospice who benefited under a will in contested proprietary estoppel proceedings and simultaneous proceedings before the Court of Protection for a statutory will.
  • Represented executors seeking to perfect failed gifts in a will by way of cy-près order where the original charities were no longer in existence.
  • Successfully removed trustees of a charity who had acted in breach of their fiduciary obligations to the charity and contrary to the charity’s constitution.

Talk to us today about:

Inheritance Act Claims

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of being excluded from a will or left with less than you need. The law recognises that in some circumstances close family members and dependants should be protected. If a will or the rules of intestacy fail to make “reasonable financial provision” for you, you may be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Find out more

Challenging A Will

A will should reflect the true intentions of the person making it. But disputes can arise where family members, friends, or beneficiaries suspect that a will was not properly made, was influenced by others, or is otherwise legally flawed.

Find out more

Do you have a legal issue that
needs to be resolved in the UK?

Why us?

Why Choose IMD Solicitors LLP?

01.

Why Choose IMD Solicitors LLP?

Our team is adept at handling intricate cases involving international elements, such as division of assets across borders, child abduction and child relocation. This makes us particularly suited for individuals with international family or business ties.

02.

Award-Winning Legal Excellence

We are proud recipients of multiple national awards, a testament to our commitment to legal excellence. Our awards reflect our high standards and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. You can check the list of our awards by clicking here.

03.

Outstanding Client Testimonials

Our clients’ satisfaction speaks volumes about our services. We invite you to read the glowing testimonials on ReviewSolicitors, which showcase our ability to exceed client expectations.

04.

Proven Track Record in Complex Cases

Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling complex legal cases, particularly those involving cross-border elements. Our expertise is especially beneficial for individuals seeking sophisticated legal solutions.

05.

Deep Cultural Understanding

At IMD Solicitors LLP, we recognise the significance of cultural nuances in legal matters. Our team, with its diverse cultural backgrounds, is uniquely positioned to understand and empathetically address the specific needs of clients from various international communities.

06.

Personalised and Compassionate Approach

We believe in a client-centric approach, offering personalised and compassionate legal advice. Understanding that each case is unique, we tailor our strategies to suit individual client needs.

07.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Beyond family law, we offer a wide range of legal services, making us a one-stop solution for all your legal needs, whether personal or business-related.

08.

Commitment to Client Communication

We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. Our team ensures that you are well informed about the legal processes and your options, enabling you to make educated decisions.

09.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Our extensive network of international legal and professional contacts allows us to efficiently handle cases that span multiple jurisdictions, providing a seamless legal experience for our clients.

10.

High Ethical Standards

As a reputable law firm, we adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, integrity, and professionalism in all our dealings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to us today

If you need legal advice, contact us today to request a free callback. Please note that all meetings are by appointment only in all our offices.

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