Andrew McManus

Andrew is a Partner at IMD Solicitors LLP and leads the firm’s Contentious Trusts and Probate practice.

With more than 15 years’ experience, Andrew advises individuals, families, executors, trustees and beneficiaries on complex disputes arising from the death or incapacity of a loved one. His practice encompasses contentious probate, trust and estate disputes, Court of Protection matters and wider private wealth litigation, often involving substantial assets, international elements and sensitive family dynamics.

Andrew is known for combining technical expertise with a pragmatic and commercially minded approach. Clients value his honesty, his willingness to have difficult conversations when required, and his focus on delivering targeted, practical and cost-effective solutions to complex problems. He understands that trust and estate disputes are often emotionally challenging as well as legally complex, and he works closely with clients to achieve clarity while protecting their interests.

Before joining IMD, Andrew held senior positions at leading UK law firms including Knights and Gateley Legal, where he developed an extensive practice in contentious trusts and estates. He began his career in litigation and dispute resolution, building broad experience across both commercial and private wealth disputes.

The Legal 500 (2024) described Andrew as “the standout lawyer – he is technically very astute.”

Andrew regularly advises on:

• Contentious probate disputes, including challenges to the validity of wills;
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;
• Executor, trustee and fiduciary disputes;
• Multi-jurisdictional succession and estate disputes;
• Civil litigation connected with private wealth matters;
• Court of Protection and mental capacity disputes; and
• Applications concerning the administration of trusts and estates.

Representative matters include:

• Successfully defending a claim seeking to set aside a will on grounds of undue influence and lack of capacity, while securing a significant costs order against the claimant;
• Acting in a dispute concerning an estate worth approximately £5 million involving blended family dynamics and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;
• Representing a claimant seeking reasonable financial provision where assets had allegedly been transferred out of an estate shortly before death;
• Obtaining an order under the Presumption of Death Act 2013 in relation to a missing hiker in the Seychelles;
• Acting for the family of a Covid-19 patient in Court of Protection proceedings concerning life-sustaining treatment;
• Advising on the legal effect of deathbed gifts in a high-profile High Court matter valued at approximately £3 million; and
• Acting for executors and trustees in applications for court approval and directions in relation to trust and estate administration.

Andrew also accepts appointments involving independent estate administration and has significant experience acting for, and serving as, an independent personal representative.

Outside work, Andrew enjoys finding new and inventive ways to injure himself through hockey, rock climbing, wild swimming and stand-up paddleboarding.