Katie de Swarte

Head of Private Client Disputes

Katie is a Partner and Head of Private Client Disputes.

She is a highly experienced solicitor specialising in Contentious Trusts and Probate matters.

The types of cases Katie deals with include, but are not limited to, applications under the Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, challenging the validity and structure of wills and trusts, claims for breach of trust and disputes arising between executors/trustees, beneficiaries and third parties. These types of disputes give rise to professional negligence claims and claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (ToLaTA), which Katie also has wide experience in. Katie undertakes Court of Protection work, such as obtaining Lasting Power of Attorneys and issues arising from the same, Statutory Will applications and making and contesting Deputyship applications.

Many of Katie’s cases involve international elements and cross-border issues. Katie has experience dealing with various jurisdictions, including Scotland, France, Spain and India.

Awards and memberships

Katie is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and is a STEP Technician. She is also a member of the ConTra, a Contentious Trusts Association for Lawyers and a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). Katie is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and was awarded the SFE Older Client Care Practice Award in November 2020.

Personal Interests

Katie enjoys socialising with her family and friends in her spare time, cooking and travelling.