Trusts and Estates

I have wide experience both as a solicitor and barrister in the administration of trusts (both charitable and private), wills/estates, and the resolution of disputes about them.

 

In relation to trusts, I have experience and can be instructed in the following areas:

• Bespoke drafting of trust clauses.
• Issues of validity, including capacity, certainty, and “sham” trusts.
• Informal trusts, including resulting and constructive trusts.
• Appointment, removal, and replacement of trustees.
• Duties of trustees and beneficiary rights.
• Information disclosure requirements.
• Breaches of trust and remedies.
• Trustees’ indemnity rights.
• Rights of beneficiaries following relationship breakdowns.
• Other issues relating to formal or informal trusts.

 

In relation to wills and estates, I have experience in, and can be instructed in the following areas:

• Bespoke drafting of clauses for wills.
• Contentious probate proceedings.
• Capacity issues, for testators and administrators.
• Intestacy, including partial intestacy.
• Interpretation, including ademption, lapse, contingent interests, failure of gifts.
• Validation of informal wills.
• Insolvent estates, order of application of assets, and incidence of legacies.
• Rights of relationship partners.
• Family protection claims, including acting for claimants, administrators, defending beneficiaries and minors, etc.
• Testamentary promises claims, including acting for claimants, administrators, and other beneficiaries.
• Powers and duties of executors and administrators.
• Revocation of probate and removal of administrators.
• Other issues relating to wills and estates, administration of them and claims against them.