Business probate disputes involving high value estates

When an estate includes business assets, whether company shares, partnership interests, or commercial property, probate disputes can quickly become complex.

These cases often involve not just the value of the estate, but the future viability of a business that may employ staff, serve clients, and represent years of personal investment.

Our contentious probate team has substantial experience in resolving business probate disputes where estates include commercial or corporate holdings. We act for clients across England and Wales, with many based in York, North and East Yorkshire, where we can meet in person.

Why business probate disputes arise

Disagreements over business assets in probate can stem from:

Unclear or conflicting documents – Articles of Association or shareholder agreements that do not align with the will

Absence of formal agreements – Partnerships without written terms, leaving the Partnership Act to govern succession

Valuation disputes – Differing opinions on the worth of shares, goodwill, or commercial premises

Competing claims – Beneficiaries with differing priorities, such as selling the business versus continuing operations

Undue influence or capacity issues – Allegations that business asset bequests were made under pressure or without understanding

Typical scenarios we handle

• Private company shareholdings
• Ensuring Articles of Association are interpreted correctly
• Resolving conflicts between shareholders and executors
• Managing pre-emption rights and share transfer restrictions
• Partnerships
• Determining the status of the partnership on death of a partner
• Establishing entitlement to partnership assets or compensation
• Commercial property holdings
• Handling disputes over rental income, ongoing leases, and asset sales
• Addressing valuation differences where property forms a substantial part of the estate
• Family businesses
• Managing disputes between family members active in the business and those who are not
• Addressing claims based on promises or understandings about succession

Our approach

In every business probate dispute, our priorities are to:

• Protect the underlying value of the business
• Secure accurate valuations through trusted experts
• Provide clear advice on rights and obligations under company or partnership law
• Devise an approach that is consistent with your objectives, whether that is continuing the business, selling assets, or defending your position

Related contentious probate expertise

Many business probate disputes intersect with other areas of inheritance law. You can read more about our related expertise here:

Will, trust & inheritance disputes – Our main page covering all contentious probate scenarios.

Farm probate disputes – Where estates include both agricultural land and diversified business activities.

Can a step-child contest a will? – Where step-family dynamics affect business succession.

Proprietary Estoppel claims – Pursuing or defending claims where promises relating to businesses, property or land were relied on but not honoured.

Challenging an executor – Advising beneficiaries and executors alike where questions arise concerning potential removal of executors, the duties and obligations of executors and general administration of the estate, including factors such as valuations and business sale.

Funding and dispute resolution

As outlined on our main page, we offer a range of funding options and can explore alternative dispute resolution where appropriate. However, we are prepared to take decisive court action where necessary to protect our clients’ interests.

Contact our business probate dispute solicitors in Yorkshire

Our business will dispute solicitors can arrange meetings at any of our local offices across rural North and East Yorkshire, so simply contact your nearest Harrowells office in York, St Saviourgate, Clifton Moor, Easingwold, Haxby, Pocklington, Malton, and Thirsk.