Nasima Ansary

Nasima is a Partner in the Will, Trust & Estate Disputes team.

Nasima trained at a Legal 500 regional firm and successfully completed her training contract in 2004. She is an experienced litigator with over 18 years’ experience. Nasima joined Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Dispute Resolution department in September 2021.

She advises on all aspects of estates and trust litigation including challenges to the validity of wills, applications for rectification and interpretation of testamentary documents, Inheritance Act claims, actions against trustee and executors including applications for accounts and removal and replacement of PRs, disputes between executors including applications in the administration process and disputes relating to the beneficial ownership of property.

Nasima works closely with her clients to understand their desired outcome and advises early on whether this is achievable and if not, why not. She is experienced in various forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and where possible, she will work to resolve matters out of court to minimise time and cost being incurred. If court proceedings cannot be avoided, Nasima will provide clear pragmatic advice and costs information.

Nasima is a member of Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Charity and Not for Profit Sector and advises charities on legacy disputes.

Nasima acts for executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, charities and individuals involved in estate and trusts litigation.
Contested will claims
Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“Inheritance Act Claim”)
Disputes relating to the administration of estates and trusts
Actions against trustees and personal representatives
Proprietary estoppel, resulting trust and constructive trust claims
Trust disputes between co-owners of property (“TOLATA claims”).

Acted for a minor beneficiary who had her inheritance significantly reduced

When her late maternal grandmother made a new Will following the minor’s mother’s death. The result was that the minor was to receive a nominal amount from the estate, compared to 1/3 of her grandmother’s residuary estate. The medical notes showed a significant long history of mental illness and this was sufficient to cast doubt that the grandmother had testamentary capacity when the new Will was made.

Acted for a son of the Deceased who was a discretionary beneficiary of his late father’s Will trust.

The trust paid a large discretionary loan to his only sibling and only a 1/3 of this amount to him. The sibling was a trustee and a discretionary beneficiary of the Will trust. Successfully challenged the trustee on the basis that the trustee was acting in her own interest in breach of trust. Settlement was reached on the basis that the trust fund would loan both children of the Deceased an equal share of the trust fund for their lifetime, with the overpayment to the sibling being repaid to the trust.

Acted in a complex dispute in relation to the beneficial ownership of two properties

Which were purchased by two brothers as a rental business venture, and which was registered in the sole name of the Deceased. The claim also involved an account for profits relating to rental income that the surviving brother had collected for over a decade and which was claimed to be held on trust for the estate.

Successfully defended a complex mutual Will claim

Resulting in various investment bonds being paid to the Deceased’s estate, which was being withheld by the Deceased’s spouse’s executor.

Acted for a charity in defending an Inheritance Act Claim

Brought by an adult child who was estranged from the Deceased.

Advising executors on a claim to set aside a property transfer

Made by the Deceased to a third party on the basis that the transfer was procured by undue influence.

Achievements & other appointments

Nasima has completed her Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) Diploma though the University of Law and regularly attends ACTAPS seminars and networking events
Nasima has been recognised as a Leading Associate by The Legal 500
Nasima is a member of ConTrA: the Contentious Trusts Association, a network for Contentious Trusts Associates. Nasima regularly attends their seminars, networking events and also their annual international conference each year
Nasima is listed as a Citywealth Leader
Nasima is a member of Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Charity and not for profit sector and advises charity on legacy disputes
Nasima is passionate about social responsibility and is a volunteer fundraiser for Demelza Hospice Care for Children
Nasima is also a former trustee and director of Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid retiring after 10 years’ service
Nasima is also a member of the Charity Law Association and the Institute of Legacy Management
Nasima is ranked in Chambers HNW.

Nasima Ansary, ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2024

Contentious Wills & Probate Team of the Year - Boutique - Highly commended

Education

Nasima graduated with a degree in Law and completed her Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, London. Nasima was admitted as a Solicitor in October 2004.

Partner, Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Specialisms & expertise

Examples of work