Profile
Chris Holten is a Partner in our Contentious Probate Department, having joined the firm in 2014 as a newly qualified Solicitor. While he specialises in all aspects of inheritance dispute law, he has a particular interest in contested wills and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, taking his dogs for long walks in the countryside and trekking our coastal paths.
“Chris Holten is professional, approachable and empathetic. I felt listened to and he showed complete understanding of my situation. He explained things clearly and always had time to listen and offer excellent advice which was always reassuring. I felt Chris was genuinely supportive and felt confident in the advice he gave to manage what has been a very stressful situation. He dealt with any situations that arose promptly and was very accommodating. I would thoroughly recommend Chris to anyone should then find them self in a similar situation.”
Chris is noted a a key contentious probate lawyer in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500.
Chris’s Recent Client Feedback
- I had a great experience with Chris Holten, Sharnie Jenkins, and the team at Slee Blackwell. They provided clear, practical legal advice and were incredibly helpful and informative throughout the whole process. They took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand and always made me feel supported. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing reliable legal assistance.
Neil
- Chris Holten and his legal secretary Sharnie provided outstanding service and support to me concerning a disputed estate. All the more remarkable considering I live in Australia, and we have never actually met. They provided me with accurate and timely information and in the end achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend these two and Slee Blackwell Solicitor.
Garry
- I turned to Slee Blackwell after the solicitors I was originally using proved incompetent, leaving me with just one week before a court hearing. Chris Holten, his legal secretary Sharnie, and the barrister they instructed were absolutely amazing. They acted quickly, organised everything efficiently, and managed to secure a postponement on the hearing. The team then guided me through mediation and negotiated extremely well on my behalf. I cannot thank Chris, Sharnie, the barrister, and the firm enough for their professionalism, support, and expertise throughout a very stressful time. If you are dealing with an inheritance claim, I highly recommend Slee Blackwell. Be very careful who you choose—many solicitors have little or no experience in this area, as I unfortunately found out the hard way. With Slee Blackwell, you will be in expert hands.
Dean
- I reached out to Chris during one of the hardest times of my life, after losing my husband and facing a complex inheritance issue alone from abroad. He listened, and for that, I’m truly grateful. Although he couldn’t act on my behalf in the end, I had hoped for a little more support or guidance. It was painful to be left without help so close to the deadline. Still, I thank Chris for his time and wish things had worked out differently.
Keerun
- Slee-Blackwell LLP were there to help me when I felt completely abandoned, shocked and unaware of my rights at a time when I was/am fighting the grief of losing my life partner. My case is LGBT specific and I was given free advice of my rights from a knowledgeable, non-judgemental and compassionate team. I would highly recommend. Thank you
Roddy
- I am deeply grateful to Slee Blackwell Solicitors for the outstanding service I received. Chris Holten, together with Kristi and Sharnie, supported me through a highly challenging dispute concerning my late mother’s estate with remarkable professionalism, expertise, and care. From the very beginning, Chris’s calm and reassuring manner gave me confidence, while his clear and practical advice ensured I always knew the best way forward. Kristi and Sharnie were equally exceptional. Their efficiency, responsiveness, and approachable nature meant I felt consistently supported and thoroughly informed throughout the process. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and their attention to detail made a challenging experience far more manageable. Thanks to the dedication of Chris and his team, I was able to navigate a stressful and complex situation with confidence and peace of mind. Their commitment surpassed my expectations, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Slee Blackwell Solicitors offer not only excellent legal expertise but also genuine care for their clients.
Viviette
View reviews on ReviewSolicitors.co.uk
Chris’s Recent Legal Articles
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Read more...Removing a co-executor from office Inheritance dispute solicitor, Chris Holten, looks at a question he is often asked: 'Can a co-executor be removed?' What can you do if you…
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Read more...One of the most common questions that we get asked on our busy inheritance helpline is, 'My parents left me out of their will. What can I do?' Inheritance…
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Read more...Developments in gay inheritance law in Hong Kong Contentious probate solicitor and partner, Chris Holten, provides an update on the latest developments in gay inheritance law in Hong Kong.…
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Read more...Contested probate solicitor Chris Holten answers the question, 'What is an inheritance dispute?' If you need expert guidance on an inheritance dispute then contact us for a free consultation…
Chris Holten