waves crashing against the rocks at Porthcurno Cove, Cornwall.

The UK’s leading body for lawyers specialising inheritance disputes has recognised a Cornish lawyer for her expertise in the field.

Davina Haydon, partner in the Inheritance and Trust Disputes team at Stephens Scown LLP has gained membership of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

ACTAPS provides a forum for contentious probate specialists to exchange experience, know-how and an appreciation of the law in this specialist area. Its membership includes the leading practitioners from across the UK. Membership is based on strict criteria and is scrutinised by the central ACTAPS committee.

Davina Haydon, who is also a board member for Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, explains: “Inheritance disputes is an extremely complex area of the law and as reported in the legal press recently, is experiencing rapid growth as people realise that it is possible to challenge the provisions of a will.

“ACTAPS members include the best practitioners in this field in the UK and I’m looking forward to sharing knowledge and bringing the latest thinking into my practice to benefit my clients in Cornwall.”

Stephens Scown’s managing partner Robert Camp adds: “Our Inheritance and Trust Disputes team is going from strength to strength. Davina’s membership of this prestigious organisation adds to the formidable reputation that the team has built up. With a specialist knowledge that is hard to rival, and a dedication to always doing their best for their clients, the team deserves all of the success it is achieving.”

Independent guide to the legal profession Legal 500 gives Stephens Scown’s Inheritance and Trust Disputes team top tier ranking, saying: “It is amongst the very best in the South West and compares favourably with similar national teams.” It goes on to say: “The team’s strength lies in the real specialist knowledge and strength in depth which it uses to good effect to get great results.” The guide also praises Davina Haydon for “working tirelessly for her clients”.

The team recently acted for Lucy Habberfield in a high profile dispute over the inheritance of her family farm in Somerset which gained national press coverage. Lucy was awarded damages in excess of £1 million at the High Court.

To contact Davina Haydon from our inheritance and trust disputes team, please call 01726 74433 or email drsa@stephens-scown.co.uk