Emma is a Partner specialising in Wills, Trusts and Estates Disputes and disputed Court of Protection matters. She advises on disputes arising from trust and probate issues including will challenges, administration disputes, the removal of executors or trustees and disputes relating to beneficial interests in property. Emma also deals with professional negligence claims stemming from will drafting and estate administration.

Emma has considerable experience in both bringing and defending claims against estates under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, including those involving farmland. She also advises on proprietary estoppel claims which often involve agricultural elements and is a member of our Rural Services team.

Emma further has specialist expertise in contested applications brought in the Court of Protection, such as those for Statutory Wills, deputyship applications and disputes regarding the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Emma works closely with our Wills, Trusts and Estates department, particularly in matters in which they are advising Sintons Trust Corporation as an independent administrator or trustee.

Experience:

• Lifetime transactions dispute – Successfully recovered over £1 million from the Deceased’s attorney who has misappropriated a significant sum during the Deceased’s lifetime, which came to light post-death
• Will challenge – Obtained a court order proving the previous will of the Deceased was the last valid will, overturning a later will which reduced our client’s interest in the Estate and obtaining a costs order against the defendants in the claim
• Inheritance Act claim – Reached a very favourable negotiated solution following mediation in a high value claim by the Deceased’s spouse in an estate that included agricultural and partnership assets
• Proprietary estoppel – Obtained the transfer of a property for a client that had been promised to him by his late father, who had then later changed his will to gift the property to another child
• Trust dispute – Negotiated a resolution to a dispute over a property portfolio created following receipt of an inheritance, allowing for a clean break between the parties
• Removal of executor – Obtained a court order that an executor be removed and an independent administrator be appointed, with a costs order in our client’s favour
• Will challenge – Acted for the children of a man who had died excluding them from his will and leaving the valuable family home to his paid carer. Settlement was achieved at a lengthy mediation
• Statutory Will dispute – Represented a client in proceedings relating to a Statutory Will for her cohabiting partner, which included his children and his wife, from who he was separated. Achieved a favourable settlement following a round table meeting
• Claim for an account and wilful default – Obtained judgment against the co-administrator of an estate in relation to a claim for an account and for wilful default. The Court ordered that a substantial sum be returned to the estate

The Wills, Trusts & Estates Team won Private Client Team of the Year at the 2019 Northern Law Awards and was shortlisted for Private Client Team of the year in the Legal 500’s Northern Powerhouse Awards 2023

Client/professional quotes:

The Legal 500 2025 & 2026 Guides listed Emma as a Leading Partner, stating “Emma Saunders is a professional, personable, knowledgeable expert in her field. She has personally handled my exceptionally difficult case with sensitivity and understanding. Emma has completely managed my expectations throughout the case. She has explained matters with complete clarity, providing direction and advice which I have found reassuring. I have total confidence in her and her team to identify and present the correct resolution to conclude matters.”

Emma is described as a leading individual in the Legal 500 2023 & 2024 Guides, where it was said “‘Emma Saunders is extremely intelligent and capable, and doesn’t rest until the last ‘i’ is dotted and the final ‘t’ crossed.”

The 2024 Guide added “Emma Saunders has been excellent across all aspects of the advice and action I have needed, at what has been the most difficult time of my life. She has expertly guided me through all aspects of the situation I have found myself in and the possibilities to ensure I fully understand the options available and their implications. Her attention to detail is incredibly reassuring. She has represented my interests decisively and unequivocally and it has helped me navigate an incredibly difficult and distressing situation with dignity.”

Emma has been ranked as a leading individual in the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guides since 2022.