Contentious Probate: 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, Solicitors and Senior Juniors
Live Attendance
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Highly recommended
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Available online
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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 James Lister, Stevens & Bolton
James was shortlisted as “Partner of the Year” at the Citywealth Awards and one of Legal Week’s Private Client “Ones to Watch.” "He brings extraordinarily good insights."
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10:10
Executor removal
Where are the courts drawing the line on executor removal and loss of indemnity following the recent run of 2025 cases?
Answered by Alex Troup KC, 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 litigation.
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10:45
Lifetime care claims
How do you present or attack post-death claims for lifetime care and the intention to create legal relations in light of Rogers v Wills [2025]?
Answered by Matthew Hodson, 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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11:20
Morning Coffee
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11:35
Financial provision
What is the latest judicial thinking on reasonable financial provision for adult children and the meaning of "something more" in moral claims?
Answered by Constance McDonnell KC, Serle Court Chambers
Constance acted in the Supreme Court in Hirachand v Hirachand. She is "an absolutely stellar advocate, technically brilliant for complicated probate disputes."
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12:10
Fluctuating capacity
How - practically and legally - do you manage fluctuating capacity, e.g. distorted memories, false beliefs, extreme grief and personality change?
Answered by Mark Baxter, 5 Stone Buildings
Mark is co-author of “Risk and Negligence in Wills, Estates and Trusts.” “He is excellent, responsive and pragmatic” and nominated for “Barrister of Year”.
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12:45
Overrun
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13:00
Lunch
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13:45
Unconscionability
What amounts to unconscionability in proprietary estoppel — and when should you use unjust enrichment or undue influence as back-up arguments?
Answered by Kate Selway KC, 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
Suspicious changes
What counts and will sway the court over a suspect will, where there is a suspicious change in disposition after Khatun v Hasan [2025]?
Answered by Elis Gomer, 5 Stone Buildings
Elis “knows the law inside out, is at the top of his game, and a pleasure to work with.” He acted in Hughes v Pritchard, Neate v Heselden and Howe v Howe.
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14:55
Financial abuse
What is realistic and achievable when investigating and proving financial abuse under a POA after a donor has died and restoring the estate?
Answered by Richard Dew, Ten Old Square
Richard is “hugely experienced, knowledgeable, and intelligent.” He is “straight-talking,” “clear,” and “gives succinct advice.” He is a Deputy Master of the Chancery Division.
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15:30
Over-run
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16:00
Close of conference
Live Attendance