The team have appeared in a number of the leading and recent cases, such as Jenkins v Evans (capacity and undue influence will challenge), Hughes v Pritchard (weight of evidence of will draftsman in testamentary capacity cases), Larsen v Annan (adult children 1975 Act claims), Oliver v Oliver (undue influence), Crew v Oatley (revocation by destruction and capacity) and Legg v Burton (mutual wills).

Members of our Wills & Trusts team are featured in the Chambers UK High Net Worth Guide 2024 as leaders in the private wealth market (outside London). This recognition clearly demonstrates the team are leaders in their field nationally. Read more here.

We pride ourselves in offering a user-friendly legal service, especially for those suffering a bereavement which is compounded by a family dispute. Our barristers have a reputation for handling these types of cases with sensitivity and tact as well as being robust advocates.

Members of the team regularly advise and represent clients in relation to the whole spectrum of issues concerning wills and trusts. Their work covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including:

• Contentious probate claims
• Construction and rectification of wills and trusts
• Administration of estates and trusts
• Claims by or against personal representatives and trustees
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
• Proprietary estoppel
• Associated taxation issues

Our clerking team are always accessible, and take care and time to understand the case or the individual personalities involved when recommending individual barristers. Read more.

Mediation

As the number of cases being dealt with by way of mediation increases, our mediation team are on hand to help, be it by providing the advocates, mediators or both. Our facilities are specifically designed to meet with clients’ needs for a mediation venue. Read more. For our mediation services during the COVID-19 social distancing lockdown please click on the following news item:

St John’s Chambers – remote mediations in wills & trusts, real estate and commercial disputes

Public Access

Some members of the team are also available to act, where appropriate, for members of the public, as well as for commercial and non-commercial organisations, under the Public Access scheme.

Training

The team delivers workshops and seminars in Chambers and regional centres. We also provide training on behalf of local Law Societies and in conjunction with solicitors’ firms. In addition we can give tailored in-house training for particular firms. If you would like any further information please contact Paul Bennett on 0117 923 4714 or email: paul.bennett@stjohnschambers.co.uk.

View our Will & Trusts digital book here for further details about how we can help you.