Elle McDonald

Associate

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Elle is a Associate in the Dispute Resolution Team and specialises in contentious trust and probate disputes. Elle has particular interest in matters concerning mental capacity and has considerable experience dealing with contentious Court of Protection cases.

Elle also has experience advising in relation to the following types of claims:

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (acting for claimants and defendants including charities);
Disappointed beneficiaries claiming for shares of assets based on promises (proprietary estoppel);
Professional negligence claims relating to wills, trusts and estates;
Challenges relating to the validity of wills;
Claims involving Executors, Trustees and Attorneys for alleged breaches of their trust including their removal and/or substitution.

During her time at Stone King, Elle has gained invaluable experience working on cases which usually involve an international element.

Elle is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). She is also a member of ConTrA, the Contentious Trusts Association.

Recent work highlights:

Acting for two hospice charities to successfully remove the executors following concerns of misconduct and unreasonable behaviour.
Acting for a minor, by way of his litigation friend, in respect of three competing 1975 Act claims against his father’s estate.
Acting for the sole beneficiary of their mother’s estate to defend a claim for lack of capacity/want of knowledge and approval.
Advising an individual in relation to the Presumption of Death Act 2013.
Advising a charity residuary beneficiary in relation to a proposed Deed of Variation relating to a failed discretionary trust.

Elle regularly provides training to members of the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) and is actively involved in the Bath Law Clinic in partnership with Bath Spa University and Citizens Advice.

University of Brighton - Criminology and Sociology (2.1)
Graduate Diploma in Law from The University of Law in Moorgate (commendation)
Legal Practice Course from the University of Law in Moorgate (Distinction)

Outside of work, Elle enjoys travelling with her loved ones. She is also regularly found walking her miniature dachshund Stanley in Leigh on Sea and socialising with friends.