Expert disputed wills, trusts and estates lawyer boosts Welsh Private Client offering

Richard Adams, an expert in disputes involving wills, trusts and estates, has joined HCR Law’s award-winning Private Client team as Partner in the firm’s Welsh office in Cardiff.

Born in Wales, Richard is a specialist in his field, with over 20 years of experience and a decade dedicated to the contentious aspects of wills, trusts, and estates. Throughout his career with Welsh firms, Richard has consistently aimed to be a people-focused lawyer, adept at swiftly identifying the core of any issue. His extensive experience in handling contentious disputes has shaped his practical and client-centred approach to legal challenges.

Richard’s appointment at HCR Law adds to the ongoing growth of HCR’s Welsh office in Cardiff, with Richard being one of over 30 new colleagues who have joined in the last 12-months.

HCR Law’s Private Client practice recently won the Private Client Team of the Year in the Wills and Probate category, at the Modern Law Private Client Awards. Richard’s expertise in the field is a further addition to the team, and he’ll be advising clients across Wales on what can often be challenging situations – not only the death of a loved one, but also a subsequent dispute over their estate. Statistics show that disputes over wills are rising, increasing by over 34% since 2017.

Richard commented: “I’m delighted to be joining the growing Wales team and bringing my knowledge of the discipline to the specialist Disputed Wills, Trusts and Estates team.

“Disputes of this nature can often be delicate and challenging for families and friends. It’s my role to support those involved, helping them navigate through the complexities of the situation with clarity and understanding, during what is already a difficult time.”

Beth King Smith, Head of Disputed Wills, Trusts and Estates and Worcester Private Client team said: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard to the team. With his extensive expertise in disputed wills, trusts and estates, Richard is well-positioned to advise clients across Wales and beyond during what can be a complex litigation process.”

Richard’s expertise also extends to those in the agricultural sphere – something which will be of particular interest to clients in Cardiff and more rural Wales – in the form of proprietary estoppel claims, farming disputes and burial disputes, including repatriation.