Blog
Red flags to look for when spotting financial abuse
Laura Phillips
By their nature, disputes over Wills, Trusts and Inheritance often occur at times of emotional vulnerability and distress. Bringing or defending such claims is especially demanding and can become acrimonious and fraught very quickly.
Seeking expert legal advice at an early stage to help resolve matters can therefore be crucial and can potentially avoid litigation and costly court proceedings.
Our specialist Wills, Trusts and Inheritance Disputes lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with disputes of this nature and are ranked in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 as experts in this field.
We act for trustees, executors, personal representatives, protectors, beneficiaries, charities and for individuals in a wide range of disputes involving estates, trusts and land.
How we can help
The work we undertake includes:
- challenges to the validity of wills;
- Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims;
- professional negligence claims;
- proprietary estoppel claims;
- breach of trust or breach of duty claims;
- variation of trust applications;
- directions for the administration of trusts;
- blessing applications;
- removal/replacement of executors or trustees;
- fraud and asset tracing (and applying for injunctive relief);
- rectification, mistake and Hastings-Bass applications;
- constructive trust claims;
- Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 claims;
- construction applications.
We often advise on complex and cross-jurisdictional issues, and regularly work alongside other intermediaries based offshore. We have specialist expertise in fraud cases involving trusts and estates, and we work with our top ranked criminal team on cases which involve criminal allegations. We also work closely alongside our leading family team in divorce cases involving trust property.
We are regularly instructed in relation to contentious matters arising in the Court of Protection and are experienced in advising charities in relation to their potential fraud exposure as well as defending charitable legacies and other such related disputes. We also act often in disputes arising in relation to family farms and landed estates.
The circumstances of each case are unique, which necessitates a tailored response to the individual needs of our clients. We employ a wide range of methods to help promote early settlement where it is possible. However, if a resolution cannot be found, we engage in and manage litigation as pro-actively, efficiently and cost effectively as possible to ensure success for our client at trial.
We always give clear advice to our clients about costs and the various options for funding a dispute involving trusts and estates.
For more information, look at our frequently asked questions on wills, trusts and inheritance disputes, and read our Need to Know guides for Trustees and our case studies .
What clients and directories have said
One of the better private client teams in London. Ryan Mowat has a firm reputation and sits amongst the best private client litigators in London. Kate Salter is committed to her clients, knowledgeable and hardworking."
The Legal 500, 2022
A good team who take a flexible approach to helping resolve disputes. Ryan Mowat – very capable, clear thinking and great at handling difficult clients."
The Legal 500, 2022
A firm with some really incredible cases and always a pleasure to work with. Ryan Mowat is one of the best litigators around, very strong tactical awareness."
The Legal 500, 2022
The team is second to none. Despite its small size, it is involved in many of the best pieces of domestic and international litigation in the area. They’re just really good. I have been instructed by and been on the other side of them in cases, and have been impressed in both regards. They are thorough, well informed, and experienced. Just what good private client litigators should be. Ryan Mowat is excellent. He is hardworking, knowledgeable, and has excellent instincts. He combines detailed knowledge of his cases with a broad strategic overlook. Kate Salter likewise is really good. She is very practical, and knows a lot about her cases. She works hard."
The Legal 500, 2022
They are experts at patiently listening to clients and advising on how best to proceed, but with sufficient tenacity and in-depth knowledge to ensure the right result"
Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide, 2021
From my initial enquiry through to the conclusion of my dispute Kingsley Napley was professional, approachable and understanding."
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
Combines technical knowledge and analysis with commercial nous"
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
An extremely strong team for contentious trust and probate"
Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2021
The team at Kingsley Napley is well regarded in the contentious trusts and estates market. The lawyers are successful because they are intelligent and tenacious. They do not gild the lily, but instead they retain their focus on their client’s commercial objectives and achieve them through hard work. They litigate as it should be done"
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
their client service is exceptional"
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2019
They've been great - sensible about fees, innovative in their approach, and tough where needed. You always felt they were in your corner,"
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2020
They are just really high-quality strategists and are very experienced litigators in the private client field."
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2020
I completely trust the company and the individuals who we dealt with. It is also an organisation who you would prefer to have acting for you than against as their team knowledge throughout the firm and cooperation is outstanding "
Legal 500 UK, 2020
They proved to be incredibly good value for money and were always clearly aware of minimising costs compared to other firms of solicitors who have not been so well focused on costs"
Legal 500 UK, 2020
A team of strong and capable lawyers with clear focus on achieving the best outcome for the client. "
Legal 500 UK, 2020
They are particularly tenacious and focused on identifying and delivering the client's needs and true goals"
Legal 500 UK, 2020
This team is a class act."
Legal 500 UK, 2020
they have strength in depth” and “they’re extremely professional and very experienced”
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2019
They are a good cohesive unit, they go the extra mile"
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2019
they’re very prevalent in the market” and “they’re very good in this world, and have a growing reputation”
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2019
They do serious, high-value and complex work. These are noteworthy cases which make a splash in our industry"
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2018
the most valuable thing he did was to be able to see the big picture. He made sure the client got what he wanted to achieve. He has great commercial awareness."
Chambers and Partners UK, High Net Worth Guide, 2017
They are very good at getting on top of things quickly and efficiently to achieve an advantageous settlement."
Chambers and Partners UK, High Net Worth Guide, 2017
Kingsley Napley LLP’s efficient and pragmatic team - is well equipped to handle complex multi-jurisdictional work"
The Legal 500, 2016
Head of team Ryan Mowat ‘throws his heart and soul into his clients’ cases and knows when to fight and when to settle’"
The Legal 500, 2016
Also recommended are the ‘exceedingly bright’ Katherine Pymont, ‘very reliable and capable’ Kate Salter, and associate Laura Phillips, who ‘really knows her stuff’
The Legal 500, 2016
Sources describe Ryan Mowat as "extremely thorough and responsive" and appreciate that he "rolls his sleeves up and gets stuck in."
Chambers and Partners UK Guide, 2016
Mowat gives robust advice and is not afraid of the fight. He is responsible for coming in and really growing this area at the firm."
The Legal 500, 2014
Clients of Kingsley Napley LLP can draw on the expertise of the flawless Ryan Mowat."
The Legal 500, 2014
Examples of recent cases
- Acting in a proprietary estoppel claim for our client against his parents in relation to farming land and the family business
- Acting for the beneficiaries in multijurisdictional trust dispute challenging the exercise of the trustees’ discretion to appoint assets out of trust
- Successfully defending a challenge to the validity of an English will on the grounds that the testator could not have known and approved the contents of the will because she did not speak, read or understand English.
- Acting for a client in a highly acrimonious dispute regarding his father’s estate involving allegations of destruction of a will, forgery and the concealment of overseas assets.
- Advising a client in relation to a professional negligence claim against the solicitor who drafted her husband’s will, an application for rectification of that will on the basis of mistake, and a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
- Advising a Guernsey trust company in a cross border investigation into issues surrounding the settlor and main beneficiary of a family trust. The claims included allegations of undue influence and the misappropriation of assets including extremely valuable artwork.
- Assisting a beneficiary of a substantial trust in relation to the disclosure of information about the trust and also advising on allegations of breach of trust and proceedings for removal of the trustees.
- Acting on behalf of a trustee in bankruptcy where the bankrupt had divested himself of assets, including through offshore trust structures before making himself bankrupt in the face of significant tax liabilities due to the failure of aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
- Advising a Panamanian trustee company of a Cayman trust in a complex piece of multi-jurisdictional trust/fraud litigation relating to the transfer of assets from another off-shore trust.
- Acting in relation to a challenge to the validity of three wills made after the deceased’s diagnosis with brain cancer and investigating the misappropriation of assets prior to his death.
- Advising the children of the deceased in relation to a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, in circumstances where their father had made a death bed will cutting them out of his estate.
William Christopher
Partner
Sue Thackeray
Partner
Abigail Hall
Associate
Anna Metadjer
Senior Associate
Laura Phillips
Senior Associate
Katherine Pymont
Senior Associate
Kate Salter
Senior Associate
They are experts at patiently listening to clients and advising on how best to proceed, but with sufficient tenacity and in-depth knowledge to ensure the right result
Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide, 2021
A very hardworking team who more than hold its own against the biggest firms and names. The lawyers are extremely well-versed in the area and garner the respect of opponents. Ryan Mowat: a very well-known and respected figure who is a steely but calm litigator. Anna Metadjer: very hardworking and efficient; excellent with clients. Katherine Pymont: very bright and perceptive, an up and coming star. Kate Salter: clever and effective, works very hard for the client."
The Legal 500, 2022
The private client team at Kingsley Napley is excellent and benefits from the cross-over that the firm offers in fraud and commercial litigation. Ryan Mowat is a highly experienced litigator who has seen it all and is ready for every eventuality. Katherine Pymont is delightful to work with and extremely sensible. Kate Salter is hugely popular with clients and will go far."
The Legal 500, 2022
Latest blogs & news
Red flags to look for when spotting financial abuse
Mental Health Awareness Week, with its focus this year on the theme of loneliness, is a timely reminder of our duty to protect loved ones and elderly clients who might be vulnerable to financial abuse and undue influence.
Funerals and feuding families – What happens if there is a dispute over arrangements for a loved one’s body?
The death of a loved one is an incredibly sad and difficult time for any family, and in the vast majority of cases those closest to the deceased are able to arrange an appropriate “send-off” which gives everyone the opportunity to pay their respects and say goodbye. Unfortunately however, there may be situations where the relevant parties cannot agree on the funeral arrangements, or what should happen to the deceased’s body. This blog considers who is legally responsible for deciding what happens to the body and how the Court has approached disputes in recent cases.
Proving Will Fraud or Forgery: Is There Evidence?
When a family member or loved one dies, sometimes the terms of their will, if they made one during their lifetime, can come as a surprise to those who survive them. For example the will might include unexpected beneficiaries, or certain beneficiaries might receive a greater or lesser share of the estate than others. Under the laws of England and Wales, a person has the freedom to leave their estate to whoever they choose and there is no legal obligation to provide for any particular family member or other individual. Therefore, whilst family members or individuals might regard the terms of the will as unfair or unexpected, the law will generally uphold the wishes of a testator set out in their will, if it has been validly made.
Is the pandemic the perfect storm for will challenges?
A will can be contested on the basis that it is invalid by relying on various grounds. It is fast becoming apparent that sadly the pandemic may have given rise to the perfect storm for will challenges on one or more of these grounds.
Claimants given costs boost in inheritance disputes – Hirachand v Hirachand
The Court of Appeal has recently handed down its judgment in the case of Hirachand v Hirachand, concerning an appeal against an order made in May 2020 in proceedings brought by Sheila Hirachand for provision from the estate of Navinchandra Hirachand, her late father, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the 1975 Act”).
Actor Terry Jones’ children challenge his Will - but does suffering from dementia mean you can’t make a valid Will?
Several stories have recently been published about the ‘legal battle’ commenced in the High Court relating to the estate of actor Terry Jones, who was well known and loved for his role in Monty Python and who died in January 2020. His adult children from his first marriage have reportedly commenced proceedings against their father’s estate and his second wife Anna Söderström (who is thought to be the main beneficiary of the estate), claiming that the Will their father made in 2016 is invalid because he lacked capacity when he made it. As a matter of law, a Will made by someone who lacks the required mental capacity at the time they made the Will is not valid.
Why the date of death matters for creditors of insolvent estates
Death does not release an individual from their debts and liabilities, nor does it allow transactions made to loved ones to escape challenge. This is so regardless of whether the transactions were made with the intention to defraud creditors.
Spotlight on dementia: can you challenge a will despite the views of medical experts?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, has been in the spotlight recently given a recent scientific breakthrough with the US approving the first new Alzheimer’s drug in 20 years. Light has also been shed on dementia and assessing testamentary capacity in the recent case of Hughes v Pritchard [2021] EWHC 1580 Ch. In this case, Mr Hughes, who suffered from moderately severe dementia was nevertheless deemed to have capacity at the time of amending his will by his GP, a view supported by a joint medical expert later instructed in the case. Despite this, his will was overturned by the judge on the basis that he did not have the requisite capacity to make the changes to his previous will, which were much more significant than the medical professionals, and indeed Mr Hughes, had appreciated.
When does the clock start ticking on trustees’ negligence?
Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others [2021] UKSC 19
The Supreme Court recently handed down a judgment dealing with time limits in a “midnight deadline” case. The claim was brought by new trustees and beneficiaries of a will trust against the former professional trustees. The claim involved allegations of negligence against the former trustees, along with breach of trust and breach of contract.
Looking out for financial abuse of the vulnerable
Financial abuse of older and vulnerable adults is sadly becoming more prevalent
You gotta’ have faith…in ADR
My previous blog examined whether Kenny Goss, the ex-partner of George Michael, may be entitled to a provision from the late singer’s estate, notwithstanding the fact that their relationship had broken down in 2009 (seven years prior to Mr Michael’s death). It was reported at the time that Mr Goss was seeking an award of £15,000 per month on the basis that Mr Michael had been financially maintaining Mr Goss at the time of his death. Pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, Mr Goss made an application for reasonable financial provision from Mr Michael’s estate because he had not been left anything in the singer’s will.
Inheritance claims by adult children
In recent years the courts have seen a significant number of claims under the 1975 Act bought by adult children. This week it has been widely reported that the two adult daughters of Tony Shearer, a high profile banker and finance governor of a well-known public school, have failed in their attempt to bring a claim against their late father’s £2.2 million estate. Mr Shearer made no provision in his estate for his daughters leaving the majority of his wealth to his second wife.
What is required to show dishonesty in the case of a professional trustee?
Examining the impact of Sofer v Swiss Independent Trustees SA on practitioners in England and Wales.
This article was first published by STEP, December 2020: Katherine Pymont, 'Moments of Truth', Trust Quarterly Review (Vol18 Iss4), pp.36-41
Whoever thought Will forgery would be easy?
Two recent decisions relating to forged wills have highlighted what evidence will be sufficient for a court to make a finding of forgery.
Contentious Trust and Probate Quarterly Round-Up: Q4 2020
This quarterly contentious trust and probate litigation update provides a summary of a cross-section of reported decisions handed down in the courts of England and Wales in the period October 2020 - December 2020.
Beneficiaries in the dark: what can you do to obtain the information you need?
Beneficiaries often have questions and concerns over how the estate of a loved one is being administered but are sometimes kept in the dark by personal representatives (PRs). Under section 25(b) of the Administration of Estates Act 1925 (AEA 1925) PRs can be required by the court to provide, on oath, a full inventory of the estate and an account of what steps they have taken to administer an estate.
Leaving a legacy to charity: avoiding a will construction claim
The High Court has recently given judgment in the case of Knipe v The British Racing Drivers’ Motor Sport Charity and Ors [2020] EWHC 3295 (Ch), a summary judgment application concerning the construction of a will of a deceased racing driver, Mr Barrie Williams, who had sought to make several bequests to charity but the names of the organisations had not been correctly recorded.
When can a Will be rectified? Barrett v Hammond (2020)
One of the questions we are often asked is whether an individual’s will can be amended after their death if it doesn’t reflect their intentions. This is sometimes possible under a process known as rectification, although the circumstances in which rectification is available are limited. A claim for rectification was recently considered by the court at the end of 2020 in the case of Barrett v Hammond & others.
Did George Michael have the freedom to exclude his ex-partner from his will?
It has been alleged that the ex-partner of George Michael, Kenny Goss, may be considering issuing a claim against the singer’s estate. Goss was excluded from the singer’s Will but purportedly claims he is entitled to a monthly allowance of £15,000 as the singer provided this monthly allowance to him before their relationship broke down in 2009.
Highly publicised matters arising in relation to the administration of the late Steve Bing’s estate in the US give rise to some interesting legal issues
Before the Family Law Reform Act 1969 (“the 1969 Act”) came into force on 1 September 1970, the common law rules of construction that a child is legitimate only if the child was born or conceived in wedlock applied when dealing with trust deeds or wills. The 1969 Act is not retrospective so difficulties may still arise in relation to trust deeds or wills settled/executed prior to that time.
