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Inheritance and Trust Disputes Mediation Services

Cuts through emotional and legal complexity to focus parties on objectives, problem solving and achieving resolution.

In today’s Dispute Resolution landscape, Non-Court based Dispute Resolution (“NCDR”) is not just encouraged, it is increasingly expected. Mediation is now one of the most effective, efficient, and constructive ways to settle inheritance, Will, trust, and estate-related disputes.

Instead of lengthy litigation, rising costs, and the unpredictability of a court decision, mediation puts control, flexibility, and privacy back into the hands of the parties (and their representatives).

Why choose mediation?

  • Faster
    Court proceedings can take many months, sometimes years. Mediation can take place within weeks once parties agree to engage.
  • More cost-effective
    Where court trials often exceed £125,000 – £150,000 per party, mediation is significantly more affordable – typically between £10,000 – £20,000 + VAT per party.
  • Private and confidential
    Unlike court hearings, mediation is entirely private and avoids media or public attention.
  • You stay in control
    A judge makes the decision at trial. In mediation, you decide the outcome and explore flexible solutions a court cannot order.

Meet Stuart Downey

Mediator | Experienced Solicitor | Head of Will, Trust and Estate Disputes | Legal 500 Recognised

Stuart Downey brings a rare combination of skills to inheritance and trust dispute mediation. Before becoming a specialist litigator, he spent years advising clients on the non‑contentious side of Private Client work – including drafting Wills, trusts, administering estates, preparing LPAs, acting as a Trustee or Attorney, and handling the associated tax considerations.

This unique background gives him:

  • A deeper understanding of the personal, practical, and technical issues behind a dispute
  • Insight into alternative solutions that others might overlook, including tax‑aware options
  • A calm, constructive approach focused on repairing relationships where possible and helping families move forward

What Stuart Downey mediates

  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975
  • Estate administration
  • Lifetime transactions / gifts
  • Beneficial ownership of assets
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney
  • Financial Deputyship
  • Professional negligence in relation to Wills, Trusts & Estates

Mediation is available in person (preferred), hybrid or fully remotely via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Stuart Downey, Partner and Mediator in Dispute Resolution
View Stuart's CV
View Stuart's Mediation Fees
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What Stuart's clients say...

“I contacted TWM for advice and support with a dispute regarding the estate of my late Father. Mr Stuart Downey handled my case. He was superb, always available if needed to discuss things and handled the case with a high level of professionalism and effectiveness leading to the successful conclusion of the matter. Highly recommended.”

Trustpilot review - November 2025

“I used TWM Solicitors, who are tier 1, to assist with a Dispute Resolution pertaining to a Will. My initial meeting with Stuart Downey in the Guildford office was impressive, and he covered all the bases with regard to the circumstances. Subsequent communications with Stuart and Rebecca Westwood offered clear and helpful advice and direction. I was pleased that I had a positive outcome from the litigation, but even if that had not been achievable, I would still be happy to recommend TWM to others. The backroom staff were also competent, and prompt.”

Google Review - June 2023

FAQs

Below are some questions that we are frequently asked by clients who require advice on Inheritance and Trust Disputes Mediation Services Law.

Introductory fixed fee: £750 + VAT per party.

This introductory fixed fee includes:

  • 3 hours of preparation
  • 7 hours on the day of mediation (typically 10am-5pm)
  • Continued support after the mediation for a reasonable period if agreement is not reached

Additional:

  • Travel and accommodation costs for in-person mediations (up to two nights)
  • Post-5pm attendance at £150 + VAT per party

Get in touch

Whether you’re a solicitor, executor, beneficiary, trustee, or family member seeking a constructive alternative to litigation, Stuart Downey can help guide you toward a workable and dignified resolution. 

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View all our insights

In the press

13 January 2026

Stuart Downey, Partner in Will, Trust and Estate Disputes at TWM Solicitors is featured in Money Week, ePrivateClient and the Solicitors Journal on how the surge in “Lockdown Wills” is likely to lead to more legal challenges.

View article

13 November 2025

Stuart Downey, Partner in Will, Trust and Estate Disputes at TWM Solicitors, is featured in IFA Magazine, The Times, Solicitors Journal and GB News, discussing the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Inheritance Act and calls for the need for reform in light of evolving family structures.

View article

4 November 2025

Stuart Downey, Partner in Will, Trust and Estate Disputes at TWM Solicitors, is featured in The Times, on the increasing sense of entitlement and ownership of future inheritance and how it impacts on the decisions of the potential beneficiary.

View article

22 October 2025

Stuart Downey, Partner in Will, Trust and Estate Disputes at TWM Solicitors, comments in The Telegraph, Solicitors Journal, Money Week and ePrivateClient on the rise in disputes over inheritance, and how inheritance generally coming later in life means beneficiaries have the resources to fund a claim.

View article

21 August 2025

Stuart Downey, Partner in Will, Trust and Estate Disputes at TWM Solicitors warns in City AM, MoneyWeek and This is Money that crypto assets could be lost after death if not properly documented in a Will, due to the lack of traditional tracing methods.

View article

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