Contentious Probate Solicitor in Bristol
How Can Marianne Help You?
Marianne has extensive litigation experience specialising in Will disputes, trust disputes, contentious probate including defending contested wills on behalf of our charity residuary beneficiary clients, advising charities on contested statutory will applications, contested court of protection applications and the appointment of deputies. She acts for private clients, professional executors, trustees and charities and is ideally placed to help you resolve such disputes. Marianne also has considerable experience in professional negligence claims relating to the drafting of wills and negligent tax advice. She has successfully resolved many complex disputes at mediation.
Marianne works alongside our nationally acclaimed Charities team and our Estates, Tax and Trusts team, to advise national charities, higher education institutions and Universities in respect of protecting legacies due to them. We also continue to defend a number of contested legacies for national charities and other non-profit organisations.
Examples include:
- Acting for a charity who was respondent in a contested statutory Will application (£6 million estate) in the Court of Protection.
- Advising a school in defending an Inheritance Act claim brought by the widow of a former pupil, who left most of his estate to the school.
Meeting Your Needs
Disputes after the death of a relative can be painful, acrimonious and complex. Marianne believes that litigation is very much a last resort and her aim is to achieve the best possible outcome for clients in the most cost effective way. Marianne is level headed and approachable and has a strong track record of resolving difficult claims using alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.
What Others Say
"Marianne is extremely knowledgeable, with a kind, compassionate, common-sense approach." - Chambers & Partners HNW Guide 2025
"Marianne has demonstrated exceptional people skills coupled with sharp business acumen in the handling of our case." - Chambers & Partners HNW Guide 2025
Legal 500 describes Marianne as "very personable', and ‘empathetic, with an impressive depth of knowledge", and "experienced and gives robust and practicable advice."
Marianne's clients have commented:
"After a frustrating and fruitless year in the hands of another law firm, I was about to abandon my case altogether when a friend suggested I speak to VWV. After an hour on the phone with Marianne Nankervis, I knew I'd found a lawyer in whom I could have total faith, and she did not disappoint. Not only did Marianne achieve a better settlement for me than I could have dared hope for; she did so with such exceptional care and compassion that what had been a traumatic ordeal became painless. For rescuing my children and I from a plight that had looked quite hopeless, I will be eternally grateful to Marianne and the rest of her team at VWV."
"Marianne Nankervis was diligent, and strategic. She was also friendly and approachable, never rushing us into a decision or applying unnecessary pressure. She was a formidable opponent, but also knew when to be conciliatory, to ensure that we went to court on a strong footing. She took the time to answer our questions during a complicated, arduous process, kept us informed of developments, and patiently listened to our concerns. I thoroughly recommend her services."
Marianne has been recognised as an 'Associate to Watch' by Chambers & Partners, in their High Net Worth 2024 guide.
"Marianne is extremely knowledgeable, with a kind, compassionate, common-sense approach." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2024
"Marianne has demonstrated exceptional people skills coupled with sharp business acumen in the handling of our case." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2024
What You Might Like to Know
Marianne joined VWV in 2012 after 21 years at Osborne Clarke. She is a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Marianne is a fluent French speaker and enjoys travelling, yoga and gardening in her spare time.
