Trust Management
A Cautionary Tale..
When aristocracy meets litigation, the stakes are enormous. William Seymour, the Earl of Yarmouth, was stunned to find himself effectively written out of his family’s £85 million inheritance.
Following years of strained relations with his father, Lord Hertford, William launched a legal bid to remove the existing trustees from the family trust. He claimed they were no longer impartial and that their decisions were undermining his entitlement to the estate. The dispute had been ongoing since 2018, following Seymour’s marriage.
While the trust documents were formally valid, this High Court case highlights the complexities of long-standing family trusts — especially when personal grievances collide with financial interests. William argued that the trust had become a weapon in a family feud rather than a protective financial structure.
The case brings up important questions:
- How can trust beneficiaries challenge trustee conduct?
- What rights do family members have if they’re excluded?
- What happens when trustees appear to favour one party?
👥 WT Solicitors Can Help
WT Solicitors help the trustees to ensure that they are acting in accordance with the terms of the trust so that they don’t end up in hot water with beneficiaries. We help clients:
- Review their trust arrangements
- Support trustees with having thorough trust records detailing how the trust is being managed
Our team understands how emotional and complex these matters can be. We’ll stand with you — with compassion and clarity.
Start protecting your family’s future by calling📞 01844 899150 or email our team at info@willsandtrustssolicitors.com
If you want to read more…
🔗 BBC
🔗 STEP
🔗 The Scottish Sun
This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek formal legal counsel for any estate or trust matters.
