Biography
I specialise in disputes about trusts and wills, and also court of protection work, where there is a dispute involving a potentially vulnerable or elderly person who may lack capacity to make financial or health care decisions for themselves. My clients include trustees, charities, professional bodies and individuals.
I can help people bringing or defending claims about the validity of wills, act in disputes between executors and beneficiaries or claims against the estate, for example under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.
I advise and act for trustees and beneficiaries in disputes relating to trusts; I also act in claims of professional negligence in relation to wills, estates & trusts. Another area I specialise in is disputes relating to Deprivation of Liberty (DOLs) applications.
Wherever possible I seek to resolve matters by negotiation or mediation but if necessary take Court action to sort out the problem for my client.
I am a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPs), having successfully completed the ACTAPS Diploma Course; I am therefore a registered Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist.
Testimonials
"Margaret Windram can always be relied upon to do an excellent job on behalf of her clients. Her presentation is extremely thorough and she steers many cases to a successful conclusion. She is a dedicated member of the profession with a deep commitment to this difficult area of work." - Legal 500, 2022
Margaret "is a very calm litigator" - Legal 500 2016
"Margaret and her team did everything expected and more. They all went above and beyond my expectations and even did everything in their power to save me money wherever possible. I would always use them in future" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I was unfortunate enough to require the services of solicitors due to a will and probate issue, but extremely fortunate that I was recommended to contact, and chose Irwin Mitchell. I was supported by an excellent team led by Margaret Windram, and assisted by Bethan Smith, Edward Lord, Beccy Beattie and Cathy Quinn. Despite the grief and distress I went through, I felt their support throughout." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Superb service from Margaret Windram and her team. I took over as trustee of a very messy, badly run estate. Margaret and her team helped us steer through an incredibly difficult financial and family situation to a very satisfactory and fair resolution. The advice I received was always calm, accurate and considered, I truly could not have achieved any of this without Margaret, Becky and Cathy."- 5* Trustpilot review
"Fantastic service from this firm in a very stressful and uncertain time. I always felt I was getting a balanced view of the chances of success. I would recommend! Irwin Mitchell to anyone. Bethan Smith my main contact in the firm seems to me to be truly exceptional. Margaret Windram, supporting Bethan, was also extremely helpful and reassuring." - 5* Trustpilot review
Notable Cases:
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Watts-v-Watts [2014] EWHC 668 (Ch) – Will Forgery & Inheritance Act Claim - we acted for the successful Claimant
- Watts-v-Watts [2015] EWCA Civ 1297 -The Court of Appeal rejected the Defendant’s Appeal following the 2014 Judgment above
Publications
I am regularly published in the Solicitors Journal and the ACTAPS newsletter.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I was inspired to work as a solicitor by the aim to help people with problems and to achieve a just result for them.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is achieving a successful outcome for my clients.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy spending time with my family. My young children keep me busy with many activities including walking, cycling and swimming. In any quiet moments I enjoy investigating our family history.
