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

Attend the conference in-person at The Caledonian Club, London

  • Date Wednesday, 26 Feb 2025, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
  • Registration Open from 9:30AM
  • Rate

    £249

    + VAT per person

  • 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

  • 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

  1. 09:30

    Registration and coffee

  2. 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."

  3. 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.

  4. 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.”

  5. 11:20

    Morning Coffee

  6. 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.”

  7. 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.

  8. 12:45

    Overrun

  9. 13:00

    Lunch

  10. 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.”

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 15:30

    Over-run

  14. 16:00

    Close of conference

Live Attendance

Attend the conference in-person at The Caledonian Club, London

  • Date Wednesday, 26 Feb 2025, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
  • Rate

    £249

    + VAT per person

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