News & Blog

For the latest industry and case news

New legal service to meet rising demand for specialist inheritance disputes expertise

By Sandra Kowalska

Published In: Contentious Probate

At Switalskis we are excited to introduce a specialist inheritance disputes service to address the growing need for expert legal support in disputes over wills, trusts and inheritance.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Justice highlight an increasing demand for inheritance disputes legal support. This increase is driven by many factors, including less traditional and complex family dynamics, the impact of the pandemic, growing generational wealth and financial pressures. With the new service, we aim to fill a significant gap in inheritance, trust and wills disputes, providing legal support with a focus in South Yorkshire.

Switalskis has appointed inheritance disputes solicitor Sandra Kowalska to develop the new team. With over six years of experience in this specialist area of law, Sandra will lead the service while assisting families with a wide range of disputes and issues which arise after an individual has died. 

Sandra began her legal career specialising in inheritance disputes in 2018, when she completed her legal training contract at a South Yorkshire firm. She recently completed the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) course, reinforcing her credentials in handling complex inheritance disputes.

“Demand for inheritance disputes expertise is increasing, yet the number of dedicated inheritance disputes legal teams in Yorkshire is limited,” Sandra says. “Dealing with a disagreement which arises after a loved one has passed can be one of the most stressful times in my clients’ lives. I’m committed to helping clients navigate complicated processes with reassurance and clarity. Developing this dedicated team at Switalskis enables us to fill a vital gap and make a meaningful difference in the Yorkshire legal market.”

David Greenwood, director and solicitor in our child abuse team at Switalskis, says: “As the Ministry of Justice figures highlight, inheritance disputes is an underrepresented area of law in our region. Sandra’s experience and dedication to inheritance disputes law make her a real asset to Switalskis and the right person to help us support clients in this area. She’s highly driven, and her unwavering compassion and strong negotiation skills will ensure our clients receive the best possible service and outcomes.”

Sandra is based at our Doncaster office, working with clients across the Yorkshire region.

Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Call Switalskis today on 0800 1380 458 . Alternatively, contact us through the website to learn more.

When completing this form, the details you provide will only be used to deal with your enquiry. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information on how your data is used and stored.

Back to News & Blog
Share this post

Sandra is a senior associate solicitor and contentious probate specialist.

Contentious Probate Senior Associate Solicitor

News, views and information from us and the industry

Related posts

January 13, 2026
Happy adult woman visiting her elderly mother at home 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or the older Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) gives an appointed attorney authority to make decisions about a person’s property, finances, health or welfare when they cannot manage these matters themselves. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, attorneys are required to act responsibly and always in the donor’s best interests.

January 05, 2026
Top view of probate law book with gavel on white background. 

When someone close to you can no longer manage their own finances or make decisions about spending their money, there’s a real risk that money could be misused or essential bills left unpaid. Sometimes, family members try to help without the right legal authority; other times, vulnerable people are at risk of being exploited. Acting early to safeguard assets protects the person and reduces the chance of future disputes, when emotions are high as estates are being distributed and money has been spent.

January 02, 2026
Document - Tax of gifts and other transports of value 

Contentious probate refers to any dispute about how a person’s estate is handled after their death. These disputes can take many forms, such as concerns about whether a will is valid, disagreements between executors and beneficiaries and conflicts over trusts or claims for provisions from excluded or disappointed beneficiaries.

December 15, 2025

Succession is a gripping watch because it shows what happens when succession planning is left vague or avoided altogether. The boardroom falls silent, loyalties fracture, and chaos begins. Unlike television, though, real families don’t get a second season to fix probate mistakes. When wills are unclear or absent, disputes erupt, estates stall, and grief turns into litigation.

Contact us