Trust, Estate & Inheritance Disputes
Disputes over family wealth often involve more than financial interests. They can affect personal relationships, long-held expectations and the intentions of those who created or passed on that wealth.
At AGPLAW, we represent beneficiaries, trustees, executors, administrators and family members in disputes concerning trusts, estates and inheritance. Our private client and disputes teams work together to assess the legal position, explain the available options and develop a clear strategy.
Whether a disagreement concerns the ownership of property, the validity of a will or the administration of a trust, we provide practical advice and representation with discretion and attention to the wider family circumstances.
Trust Disputes
Trust disputes may arise over the terms of a trust, the decisions of its trustees or the rights of its beneficiaries. We advise clients on resolving these issues through negotiation or court proceedings where necessary.
Our services include:
- Trust Interpretation - Advising on disagreements concerning trust provisions, trustee powers and beneficiaries’ interests.
- Trustee Conduct - Bringing or defending claims involving alleged breaches of trust, conflicts of interest or improper distributions.
- Information and Accounts - Advising on requests for trust information, accounts and supporting records.
- Trustee Appointments and Removal - Assisting with disputes concerning the appointment, replacement or removal of trustees.
- Disputed Ownership - Addressing claims that assets held in one person’s name are held on trust for another.
Disagreements following a death can create uncertainty about who is entitled to inherit and how the deceased’s intentions should be carried out. We help clients understand their position and address competing claims.
Wills & Inheritance
We assist with:
- Will Challenges - Bringing or defending challenges involving testamentary capacity, undue influence, alleged forgery or execution requirements.
- Will Interpretation - Resolving uncertainty about the meaning of provisions and the identification of beneficiaries or assets.
- Inheritance Entitlements - Advising on competing claims under a will or the applicable rules of succession.
- Lifetime Gifts and Transfers - Addressing disputes over whether assets were gifted, loaned or held on behalf of another person.
For advice on preparing a will and putting succession arrangements in place, visit our Wills & Probate in Cyprus page.
The administration of an estate can give rise to disagreements about delays, decisions, expenses or the treatment of estate assets. We advise those administering estates and those with an interest in their proper administration.
Estate Administration
Our support includes:
- Executor and Administrator Duties - Advising on responsibilities and allegations of improper conduct.
- Estate Accounts - Addressing requests for information and disputes over receipts, payments and distributions.
- Asset Identification and Recovery - Assisting with disputed ownership and claims to recover assets belonging to an estate.
- Administration Disputes - Advising on contested appointments, applications for removal and disputes affecting the completion of an estate.
For assistance with obtaining probate or letters of administration and the ordinary administration of an estate, see our Wills & Probate services.
Where family members, trusts or assets are located in different countries, disputes may raise questions about jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition of court decisions.
Cross-Border Disputes
We advise on the Cyprus aspects of international trust and inheritance disputes, coordinating with overseas counsel where required. Our work includes assessing the appropriate forum, addressing competing proceedings and seeking interim measures where necessary and legally available to preserve assets pending resolution.
Throughout the process, we consider opportunities for negotiated settlement and mediation alongside court proceedings, taking account of the value at stake, costs, confidentiality and our client’s objectives.
For more information about our wider litigation and arbitration practice, visit our Disputes section.
