Proprietary Estoppel Claims Solicitors

Proprietary Estoppel is a legal concept that can enforce a promise of property ownership if you have already made related decisions that have left you worse off. This is usually, but not always, in a financial sense. You may be able to make a Proprietary Estoppel claim if, for example:

• You spent time and money renovating a property that someone promised you would receive
• You worked on a farm or in a business for a reduced wage because you were led to understand you would inherit all or part of it
• You gave up work to care for someone who promised you a share of their property in return.

We have a significant amount of experience helping clients in this particular area of law and are skilled at getting the evidence you need to make a claim. We can also help you if you are defending a proprietary estoppel claim.

As part of one of the country’s leading Will, Trust & Estate Disputes team, we have experience with a wide range of property law issues, including rural estates, heritage properties, and investment portfolios. Whatever type of property you were promised, we can help.

Matthew's story - turning hope into happiness

Matthew had worked on Gilmoor Farm for 30 years, like his parents before him. He didn't live there but it felt like home and he was close friends with the farm's owner, Tony.  

Tony had promised that Matthew would inherit the farmland when he died, and assured Matthew that his legal affairs were in order. Friends and family had also heard the promise that the land would one day belong to Matthew.  

When Tony passed away, however, he didn't have a Will in place and Tony's estranged daughter contested Matthew's claim to the land. 

After a three-year legal battle, Partner Paula Myers successfully defended Matthew's inheritance. Now he can continue enjoying the land with his children and grandchildren.

"It was like somebody had lifted a huge weight off my shoulders to be honest, it was amazing. I remember Paula rang me and I couldn’t believe it, I had to pull over and stop for five minutes!” - Matthew, client

"This was more than just a case, I wanted to win this for my friend. Telling Matthew that he’d won was so emotional, because it was the end of a long journey which finally achieved the result he wanted.” - Paula Myers, Partner