Senior Associate, Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes
Nicola Kate Smith
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My awards and achievements
Nicola is a Senior Associate in our specialist Contentious Trusts, Probate and Court of Protection team, based in Manchester. With over 12 years of litigation experience, she now focuses exclusively on disputes involving the administration of estates, trusts and the affairs of vulnerable individuals.
Nicola is widely recognised for her expertise in executor disputes, estate administration issues, Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims, and contentious Court of Protection matters. She also regularly advises on cases involving financial abuse, acting swiftly and sensitively where concerns arise about undue influence, misappropriation of assets, or breaches of fiduciary duty.
She represents a wide range of clients, including beneficiaries, executors, trustees, deputies, and concerned relatives or carers in high-value, emotionally complex, and often urgent situations.
Her practice includes:
Applications to remove or prevent the appointment of executors
Claims involving maladministration, delay, or executor deadlock
Challenges to the validity of Wills (including undue influence, lack of capacity and fraudulent calumny)
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims for financial provision
Proprietary estoppel and constructive trust disputes
Contested deputyship applications
Court of Protection litigation, including objections, financial abuse, and contested best interest decisions
Claims involving the financial exploitation of elderly or vulnerable individuals
Beddoe applications, derivative claims, and third-party actions involving estates
Nicola is an Associate Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), reflecting her standing in this specialist field. She is known for her calm, practical approach and for securing successful outcomes through negotiation, mediation and where necessary, robust court proceedings.
Nicola is also a key contributor to the firm’s thought leadership and online content, helping establish Forbes Solicitors as a leading name in executor disputes, estate litigation and safeguarding vulnerable people through Court of Protection action.
I cannot praise Nicola enough for all the help and guidance she has given to my sisters and I, during this very difficult time. The expertise and knowledge that Nicola has provided us with, has been very reassuring.
Shane
Nobody expects to be in this very upsetting & stressful position. Lucy & Nicola were fantastic with dealing my probate dispute. Both very professional, supportive & tenacious, offering valued advice & support whenever needed. Everything was explained clearly throughout the process & I was updated regularly. I really can’t recommend or thank them enough.
Karen
Nicola and the friendly Forbes team dealt with my case with compassion and professionalism throughout the process. Communications were very informative and handled promptly with any questions that arose being answered fully and explained clearly, which during such a stressful time helped a great deal in putting my mind at ease.
I would confidently recommend to anyone seeking legal assistance in similar circumstances to approach Nicola Smith at Forbes to be in your corner.Shane
Lucy & Nicola were amazing dealing with my probate dispute. Both very professional & supportive in the matter. They
Supplied valued advice & support whenever needed. Everything was explained clearly throughout the process & I was updated regularly. It was all finally resolved, of which I am eternally grateful, I cannot recommend or thank them both enough.
Jacqueline