Solicitor at Higgs LLP
Craig Ridge
Solicitor - Partner
SRA ID: 297907
I lead the contentious trusts and probate team, having joined Higgs as a Partner in December 2019. Prior to joining Higgs I was a Partner of another large regional law firm. I have been advising on all contentious aspects of probate, estate administration and trusts for over eighteen years. Typically, I assist clients contemplating or facing challenges to wills; disputes between executors/trustees; disputes between executors/trustees and beneficiaries; and claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. I assist with situations involving the invalidity of wills or trust documents as well as errors within the administration of estates or trusts. I am able to advise upon the rectification of errors and deal with professional negligence claims. I act for beneficiaries, executors and trustees (both lay and professional) and people with prospective claims within an estate or trust. My particular expertise involves dealing with complex or high value estates and trusts, typically involving businesses and property or investment portfolios, however, the team at Higgs is able to guide parties through the contentious elements of all trusts and estates.
3 Waterfront Business Park, DY5 1LX
Licensed for 22 years
Practice Areas
Dispute Resolution
- Dispute Resolution 100%
5 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About Craig Ridge
I lead the contentious trusts and probate team, having joined Higgs as a Partner in December 2019. Prior to joining Higgs I was a Partner of another large regional law firm. I have been advising on all contentious aspects of probate, estate administration and trusts for over eighteen years. Typically, I assist clients contemplating or facing challenges to wills; disputes between executors/trustees; disputes between executors/trustees and beneficiaries; and claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. I assist with situations involving the invalidity of wills or trust documents as well as errors within the administration of estates or trusts. I am able to advise upon the rectification of errors and deal with professional negligence claims. I act for beneficiaries, executors and trustees (both lay and professional) and people with prospective claims within an estate or trust. My particular expertise involves dealing with complex or high value estates and trusts, typically involving businesses and property or investment portfolios, however, the team at Higgs is able to guide parties through the contentious elements of all trusts and estates.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Craig Ridge
Resume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
16/09/02
13/09/24
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
SRA-approved manager - Member
FBC Manby Bowdler
?-present
Defending a contentious will claim
I contacted Craig Ridge of Higgs and attended a meeting at their offices ,Craig was courteous and understanding he explained the process and made it easy to understand. His approach was practical and professional throughout . Craig is personable guy with an in depth knowledge of his field, he is also a superb strategist .After presenting a comprehensive response in defence the claimant withdrew his claim and Craig recovered a substantial amount of the costs from the claimant .I would have no hesitation in recommending Craig and his team
Lawyer named in this review: Craig Ridge
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 06 December, 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience, Adrian! We’re delighted to hear about your positive interactions with Craig and the successful outcome. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re proud to have a team that delivers both professionalism and expertise.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Very helpful
I had a great experience with Higgs, they helped me through a tough legal process.
Lawyer named in this review: Craig Ridge
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 11 January, 2024
Hi Emily. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Higgs. We're glad to hear that they were able to help you through a tough legal process. If you have any further legal needs or questions, feel free to reach out.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Excellent
The solicitor that I dealt with was absolutely excellent and very professional. Craig Ridge spent a lot of time gaining all the information that he needed to assess the case. He was thorough and very intelligent, quickly summing up the points of the case. I would highly recommend him. The company is more expensive than others, but it’s a case of you get what you pay for.
Lawyer named in this review: Craig Ridge
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 03 March, 2023
Thank you for your review, it’s great to hear that you had a good experience using Higgs LLP. We’ll pass on your feedback to the relevant department.
Was this review helpful? Yes
WDJ ESTATE
WDJ ESTATE.
My father died in 2010 and the executors, one of which was my brother and the other his solicitor,
failed to finalise the estate correctly or indeed progress it at all. My father was in a farming partnership with my brother and he bequeathed his half share to me. Whilst the estate remained unresolved, my brother continued farming without having to buy me out of the partnership. The conflict of interest was obvious and in effect he had 'claimed Squatters Rights' over the partnership and refused to be shifted. I was forced to take legal representation early in the process but the tactic of doing nothing and delays continued year after year. The first executors were removed after six years and replaced but he proved to be just as bad if not worse.
By 2018 I had instructed three different solicitors who had all failed to make any progress whatsoever. My faith in the legal system was at rock bottom. I could not believe that executors could act with such impunity and that solicitors seemed unable to do anything about it but were content to allow the situation to rumble on forever. Meanwhile, my legal costs were mounting with nothing to show for it. I simply did not know where to turn.
Later in 2018 I made a random but very fortuituos telephone call to Manby Bowdler Solicitors and explained my situation to Mr Craig Ridge. I quickly realised that he was in a completely different class to my previous solicitors. He knew immediately that legal action should be taken and exactly what action that should be. When he later moved to Higgs & Sons I soon followed him. Not only does he clearly know exactly what he's doing but he knows all the right people to contact to prepare my case such as forensic accountants and barristers.
My case went to mediation in 2020 and we were thoroughly prepared. As a result we achieved a better outcome than might have been expected.
Whilst having a strong case was the basis of a good result, I believe that Craig's reputation and that of my barrister carried a lot of weight both with the defending solicitor and barrister. I'm sure the mediator would also have been impressed by the total professionalism of my representatives.
Summary:
I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Mr Craig Ridge of Higgs LLP Solicitors for any dispute resolution services.
Lawyer named in this review: Craig Ridge
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 06 April, 2022
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Litigation / Dispute Resolution
Craig & Andrew did a great job.
Lawyer named in this review: Craig Ridge
Was this review helpful? Yes