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Ralph Wheeler

Ralph Wheeler

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Email:
ralph.wheeler@porterdodson.co.uk
Phone:
01305 756323
Location:

Poundbury

Position:

Senior Associate

Team:

Contentious Trusts and Probate

Specialism:

Administration disputes, Burial disputes, Inheritance disputes, Trustee/executor disputes, Will validity claims/disputes

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Bio

Ralph is a Senior Associate in our Contentious Trusts & Probate Team. He qualified in 2017, and practised as a contentious trusts and probate specialist at a Top Tier firm before joining Porter Dodson in 2024.

Ralph’s work includes claims relating to: the construction and validity of Wills; the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; the administration of estates and trusts; Statutory Wills; and the beneficial ownership of property.


His experience includes obtaining freezing injunctions for high net worth overseas clients in civil fraud claims; advising household names in the charity sector on a range of contentious probate cases; successfully defending private individuals at trial in claims brought against them under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and in claims based on constructive and resulting trusts; settling claims for Statutory Wills relating to valuable estates; and assisting in a case relating to the validity of the Will of a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic whose estate was valued at c.£24 million.


Trust and probate disputes can be complex and hard-fought – money is at stake. Furthermore, they often follow hot on the heels of bereavement, when emotions are raw. Ralph recognises that and works to give his clients the moral support they need at such a difficult time while also giving them comprehensive and realistic guidance and working to obtain the right result for them.


Outside of work, Ralph is a keen wildlife photographer and member of Weymouth Rowing Club.

Testimonials

The team has a justifiably strong reputation in the field of contentious probate disputes. They fight hard on behalf of their clients.

Legal 500 2027

Ralph Wheeler is an outstanding senior associate. He combines impressive technical knowledge with a very pragmatic, commercially minded approach. He is strategic, very organized, and communicates clearly with clients and opponents alike, guiding clients confidently through sensitive or challenging disputes. He is also very effective in coordinating advice across multiple areas of law. Clients trust him for both the quality of his judgment and the practical, solutions-focused way he approaches each matter.

Legal 500 2027

The Contentious Trusts & Probate team is excellent. It is highly knowledgeable while bringing a very pragmatic and commercially sensitive approach, which is particularly important given the often personal, emotional, and high-stakes nature of these disputes.

Legal 500 2027

Ralph Wheeler deserves to be singled out for his tenacious yet sensible approach to cases. Clients have great confidence in Ralph, who will always go the extra mile.

Legal 500 2027

Ralph Wheeler is an effective and professional adviser for his clients. He represents their interests strongly in mediation.

Legal 500 2027

I wanted to restate my thanks - both personally and on behalf of my side - for the consistently clear, prompt, and thoughtful way in which you and your firm have supported us. You’ve made a long and potentially challenging process feel manageable. Thank you again for all your support and guidance over the last two and half years.   

Mr Y

Thank you for arranging our meeting with Ralph who was terrific. We learned a lot and feel much happier as a result. 

Mr & Mrs F

Thank you so much for all of your help and support throughout this. As I’m sure you appreciate, it has been extremely tough, and it has been reassuring knowing you have been there.  

Ms B

I found Ralph to be very professional, understanding and extremely knowledgeable. He listened to everything I had to say very well and was able to make all of my points into a very strong defense. He was sympathetic and always reassured me throughout the process. I would highly recommend him. 

Kimberley

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Articles by Ralph Wheeler