Joanna Baker

Why choose me

I am a specialist contentious probate and inheritance disputes solicitor, resolving tricky disputes affecting trusts, wills and estates, working across East Anglia, including Cambridge, Norfolk and Suffolk. I am known for my calm and empathetic approach and I am passionate about helping guide my clients through often highly sensitive, emotionally charged and complex disputes. I look to bring clarity and structure, always aiming for a client focused, pro-active solution.

I am the key contact for HCR Law’s Disputed Wills, Trusts and Estates team in East Anglia, leading the firm’s dedicated private wealth disputes and contentious trusts and probate offering from the Cambridge and Norwich offices. Private wealth clients often have complex needs arising from significant asset bases, multi-generational structures such as trusts and family investment companies, and cross-border considerations. Disputes in this sector can involve contested wills and will validity challenges based on testamentary capacity, knowledge and approval, and undue influence; inheritance claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; proprietary estoppel; breach of trust claims; applications for the removal of executors and trustees; TOLATA disputes; Court of Protection matters; and high-value farming estate disputes spanning multiple parties and jurisdictions. I work collaboratively across HCR’s wider private wealth practice, drawing on the firm’s national teams to provide a seamless, holistic service to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients navigating these often deeply personal and sensitive matters.

I am ranked as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ by Legal 500 (2025) and recognised in the legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, as one of the leading contentious probate solicitors in East Anglia. I am known for my compassion and personable approach with clients and my practical, results-focused approach to often very complex and distressing disputes. My reported cases include Hudson v Hathway [2022] EWCA Civ 1648, an important Court of Appeal authority on TOLATA proceedings and cohabitation property disputes; Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321 (ChD), a High Court trial concerning testamentary capacity and will challenges; and Hewson v Wells & Ors [2020] EWHC 2722 (Ch), a significant case on litigation costs and conduct in contentious probate proceedings.

Recognising that this area often involves deep personal tensions, I work collaboratively with a trusted network of experts to provide well rounded, strategic advice. I believe that the best outcomes are achieved when legal expertise is paired with human understanding. Whether mediating family disagreements over sentimental issues or navigating high value estate disputes, I am committed to transparency, trust and delivering tailored results.

I take time to understand what really matters to each client. I’m empathetic and determined, and I stay focused on straightforward, practical advice that gets results.

My work includes will disputes and will validity claims, contesting a will, inheritance claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, rectification claims, breach of trust claims, trust disputes, trustee and executor disputes and removal, Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘TOLATA’) disputes, property disputes between cohabitants, and proprietary estoppel claims. I am a strong supporter of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which can assist in resolving estate and trust disputes more swiftly and can avoid the cost and distress of protracted court proceedings.

I am a Dementia Friend and a full member of ACTAPS and ConTrA.

Outside work, I am a devoted rugby fan, music lover and I can often be found on the coast walking my dog and drinking tea!