Emma Kerry
Partner
Emma is a Partner, based in North Somerset, who specialises in Contentious Probate. She has been ranked as a Next Generation Partner for Contentious Trusts and Probate in the independent Legal 500 Guide 2025.
Emma has held membership of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) since 2015 and is regularly instructed in claims relating to the validity of Wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and claims in relation to personal representatives.
Emma also has considerable experience in property related disputes, including disputes in relation to the occupation of property and disputes arising from the co-ownership of property.
Emma has extensive experience of court proceedings, as well as alternative methods of dispute resolution including mediation, which is often more appropriate in disputes of this kind.
She is a member of the Property Litigation Association.
"Emma Kerry has been excellent in her communication both with myself and the opposing solicitor. I would thoroughly recommend her."
Examples of her work include:
Contentious Probate
- Acting for both claimants and defendants in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, including spouses, partners, minor and adult children
- Acting for both claimants and defendants in relation to challenges to the validity of wills, for example, on the basis of undue influence, lack of capacity, lack of knowledge and approval
- Rectification claims where the wording of a will is unclear or ambiguous
- Claims to remove executors where the estate has not been properly administered or distributed
- Acting for executors in seeking directions from the Court as to the steps to be taken in the administration of the estate where necessary
- Resolving disputes between executors where disagreements arise, including by way of the appointment of a neutral personal representative to administer the estate
Property Disputes
- Emma advises on property disputes, particularly where they arise in the context of an estate.
- Emma often acts for co-owners of jointly owned property where agreement cannot be reached as to a sale of the property, including by way of an application to court for an order for sale where appropriate
Legal 500 Rankings
Legal 500 2025 Recommended for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Emma Kerry is named as a Next Generation Partner, which recognises junior partners with significant recognition from both clients and peers in the market, and key roles in multiple matters.
Legal 500 2024 Recommended for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Emma Kerry is described as ‘Emma Kerry is an experienced and sensible litigator with a good client manner.’
Legal 500 2021 Wards Solicitors is recommended for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Emma Kerry is described as ‘very good with clients, very experienced in this area and works very well with counsel.’
Legal 500 2017 Wards Solicitors is recommended for Contentious Trusts and Probate and Emma Kerry is recommended in the editorial – ‘very good with clients and prepares clear and concise instructions’.
Qualifications and Experience
- Psychology degree 1994
- Qualified as a Solicitor in 2005
- Member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) since 2015
- Has specialised in Litigation work since 2005
- Member of the Property Litigation Association
Supervised by James Murray
