An Offer too Good to Refuse?

by Alex Watkinson, Associate, Bell & Buxton Solicitors

A recent court case involving Bell & Buxton’s Inheritance Disputes Team has highlighted the significant advantage for clients of instructing specialist solicitors in a particular field.

A case decided by the High Court in March 2012 could have been settled as far back as July 2011 because, having considered all the circumstances of the case, Bell & Buxton’s clients put forward an offer to settle on a “Without Prejudice” basis meaning that the terms of that offer couldn’t be referred to at the trial.  Although the other side technically “won”, by getting more out of the deceased’s estate than they were left under the will, in fact the offer made by our clients some 8 months before the  trial was higher than the award ultimately made by the court. As a result the Judge ordered that a significant proportion of Bell & Buxton’s clients’ costs (over £50,000) had to be paid by the losing party and it fell to be paid out of the entitlement she was awarded.

As specialists in trust and probate litigation, we were able to apply our skill and experience to pitch an offer which gave our clients a comfortable degree of protection on costs and which produced a significantly better result for them overall than they would have otherwise achieved. 

If you have a problem about trusts or estates, or know somebody who does, make sure they receive the best possible advice from the best possible source.

For further information, please contact our Associate Solicitor, Alex Watkinson on 0114 220 2174 or by e-mail at a.watkinson@bellbuxton.co.uk

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Bell & Buxton, Solicitors
Telegraph House, High Street, Sheffield, S1 2GA

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Bell & Buxton is the trading name of Bell & Buxton LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered number OC322707, registered in England. A list of members is open to inspection at the above address.