Property and trust disputes

The protection of property interests, trust assets and private wealth is more complex than ever and gives rise to an increasing number of disputes.


We advise and represent private clients, trustees, beneficiaries and businesses on a range of contentious property and trust issues.
Our expertise
  • Litigation and disputes between trustees and beneficiaries
  • Challenges to wills and estates
  • Court Applications under the Wills Act
  • Court Applications under the Trustee Act
  • Claims involving breaches of duty by trustees
  • Removal of caveat proceedings
  • Disputes under sale and purchase agreements
  • Body Corporate disputes and governance issues
  • Contentious Unit Titles Act issues
  • Disputes involving Charitable Trusts and Incorporated Societies
  • Mortgagee sales
  • Commercial lease disputes
  • Boundary disputes
  • Claims for misrepresentation in the sale of property
Property and trust disputes experience
  • Representing trustees of a large family trust in litigation involving alleged breaches of trustees’ duties.
  • Acting for the trustees and executors of an estate in litigation brought by a beneficiary under the Family Protection Act and Testamentary Promises Act.
  • Negotiating a successful settlement for a beneficiary under a will in a claim against the estate.
  • Making a successful application to the High Court to declare a handwritten letter a valid will under the Wills Act.
  • Representing a Body Corporate in a successful application under the Unit Titles Act concerning the levying of unit owners for repairs to the apartments.
  • Negotiating a settlement between a vendor and purchaser in relation to a cancelled sale and purchase agreement.
  • Representing a large commercial landlord in Court proceedings concerning the sale of a ground lease.
Key contacts
Caroline Key Contact
Caroline Harris
PARTNER
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Mark Key Contact
Mark Sullivan
PARTNER
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Israel Key Contact
Israel Vaealiki
PARTNER
Private Client & Trusts 
CONTACT US

Level 13, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

PO Box 3451, Auckland 1140, New Zealand

+64 9 303 3849

enquiry@jacksonrussell.co.nz

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