Hybrid Conference
Contentious Probate 2025: Shaping New Law into Solution-Focused Answers for Your Clients
Court-Proven, Solution-Focused Answers to 7 Thorny Questions: Directly from Top-Flight KCs, Judges and Senior Juniors
Live Attendance
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Highly recommended
Out of 20,067 evaluation forms, 97.13% said "Yes, I would recommend White Paper to a colleague"
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Available online
All talks are pre-recorded, to the standard of a TV broadcast service, so you can watch on-demand and online, whenever suits you best
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Information you won't find elsewhere
Our experts talk under Chatham House Rule, so you get the best, most readily usable information they wouldn't share elsewhere
Programme
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09:30
Registration and coffee
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10:00
Chair's Introduction
Contentious Probate: Shaping new law into solution-focused answers for your clients
Chaired by Alexander Learmonth KC of New Square Chambers
Alexander won ‘Advocate of the Year’ at the STEP Private Client Awards. "He is just so dynamic, always seeing an angle that improves the client's position."
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10:10
Financial Provisions
How do you balance the competing s.3 factors in claims for financial provision by (1) adult children, (2) cohabitees who lived as spouses for two years or more and (3) dependants?
Answered by Alex Troup KC of St John’s Chambers
Alex is “a star of probate”, “among the most skilful barristers” with “a real commercial brain”. He acted in the high-profile Hughes v Prichard (2022) litigation.
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10:45
Fluctuating Capacity
How do you manage—and overcome—difficulties with borderline and fluctuating capacity issues, including distorted memories, false beliefs, and personality changes?
Answered by Francesca Gardner of 39 Essex Chambers
Francesca is “focused, concise, always absolutely on point and leaves no stone unturned.” “She advocates fiercely on behalf of her clients and is a KC in waiting.”
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11:20
Morning Coffee
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11:35
Difficult Executors
What counts and will sway the court when seeking to remove difficult, disengaged or dodgy executors and trustees, and how can you do it swiftly and cost-effectively?
Answered by Mark Baxter of 5 Stone Buildings
Mark is “utterly brilliant and charming with an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Probate”. He is co-author of “Risk and Negligence in Wills, Estates and Trusts.”
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12:10
Undue Influence
How has Rea v Rea [2024] EWCA changed existing thinking on undue influence in probate claims, and what practical steps can you take to gain an edge for your client in a dispute?
Answered by Matthew Hodson of Gatehouse Chambers
Matthew is a "standout rising star" with particular strength in probate cases. He is “just the kind of lawyer you want on your side” and sits as a Deputy District Judge.
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12:45
Overrun
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13:00
Lunch
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13:45
Testamentary Gifts
What are the potential headaches of testamentary gifts of occupation, and how do you cure them before IHT litigation starts?
Answered by Kate Selway KC of Radcliffe Chambers
Kate is "one of the most effective wills and probate barristers at the bar - she produces superb results.” She is the author of “Establishing Fraudulent Calumny.”
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14:20
TOLATA Claims
Against a background of recent and live cases, how do you effectively use TOLATA to challenge ownership of joint assets after death and excessive lifetime gifts, and get the case over the line for your client?
Answered by Mark Dubbery of Pump Court Chambers
Mark is “extremely knowledgeable and entirely unflappable and provides straightforward, user-friendly advice.” He sits as a Deputy District Judge.
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14:55
Hirachand Implications
What are the wider implications of the Hirachand v Hirachand litigation for costs in 1975 Act claims, and how will they impact market practices and client advice?
Answered by Richard Dew of Ten Old Square
Richard is "hugely experienced, knowledgeable, and intelligent.” He is “straight-talking,” “clear,” “gives succinct advice,” and acted in the Hirachand litigation.
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15:30
Over-run
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16:00
Close of conference
Live Attendance