Charlotte Kahrman

Why choose me

I specialise in contentious wills, trusts and estates, advising clients on a wide range of probate and inheritance disputes and am recognised as an ‘Associate to Watch’ by Legal 500. My expertise includes challenges to the validity of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, executor disputes and proprietary estoppel claims, frequently involving agricultural, rural and farming estates.

Clients are supported at every stage of a dispute, from early pre-action advice and correspondence through to mediation and court proceedings, with a focus on achieving practical, proportionate and cost-effective outcomes.

Recent experience includes acting for the successful claimant in Ellis v Ellis, Berryman & Care [2024]. A claim was issued for a grant in solemn form and a counterclaim that the deceased’s last will was invalid was successfully defended, despite allegations of lack of due execution, lack of testamentary capacity and lack of knowledge and approval. A costs order was subsequently obtained in our client’s favour.

I have also secured the removal of an executor where estate administration had been subject to prolonged delay, including obtaining a personal costs order against a removed executor, allowing the administration to proceed efficiently.

Further experience includes acting in the removal of a professional executor who was a former practising solicitor and had been suspended for similar conduct in other estates, as well as successfully defending a claim for the removal of an executor, protecting the client from unnecessary disruption and costs.

I have achieved favourable settlements in Inheritance Act claims, including on behalf of a minor child against the estate of their late father, and have assisted on multiple proprietary estoppel matters, often involving farming and agricultural estates, including progressing claims to trial.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and spending time researching and planning my next destination. I am currently studying to become a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists.