The National Will Register’s Expert: Invalidity of Wills for want of knowledge and approval


25th May 2022 at 12:00 pm - Online

Thomas Dumont QC joins us for the next Expert Webinar with The National Will Register on 25 May to present “Invalidity of Wills for want of knowledge and approval”

Since Colonel Wintle, as a litigant in person in the House of Lords in 1958, overturned his wealthy cousin’s Will favouring her solicitor, the courts have been ready to declare wills invalid for want of knowledge and approval, even though validly executed.

What is more, since Sifri v Clough & Will is in 2007, the courts have been ready to make the solicitor who prepares the will pay the costs bill for the probate action, where want of knowledge and approval is established.

 

​​​​​Agenda

  • Examine just what the courts mean by “want of knowledge and approval”
  • Explain when the issue of knowledge and approval can arise
  • Look at the risks which preparing a will can then throw up
  • Explore what you can do to ensure that you will not foot the bill for any probate action

 

Presented by Thomas Dumont QC, Radcliffe Chambers

Tom Dumont QC was appointed silk in 2019, the culmination of years as one of the most in-demand barristers at the Chancery Bar. He has been Advocate of the Year at STEP’s Private Client Awards, and one of the Lawyer’s Hot 100. He has won cases in the Supreme Court, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as his more usual stamping-ground, the Business & Property Courts of the Chancery Division.

He is known for his client-centric approach, forming an easy and efficient working relationship with solicitors and clients. He seeks solutions rather than obstacles. His practice covers the booming sector of contentious probate, family provision and other private client litigation and advice. He has a particular strength in professional negligence where it overlaps with the private client world, such as tax-planning by solicitors and accountants. He is recognised for his expertise in advising and acting for charities. His clients range from landed families and trust companies on and offshore, to entrepreneurs, national charities and Russian oligarchs.

 

Register