Divorce, inheritance and trusts

Separation and divorce can be highly emotional and legally complex, particularly when trusts, family wealth, and inherited assets are involved. As trusts are increasingly scrutinised and incorporated into financial remedy discussions, practitioners must navigate a web of overlapping laws governing divorce, financial arrangements, asset distribution, and trust and inheritance disputes.

This webinar aims to equip practitioners with a clearer understanding of these intersections so they can better support private clients in identifying key issues, managing expectations, and planning effectively for the future.

Topics covered include:

• Background
• Matrimonial vs non-matrimonial assets, and how the courts deal with them
• Pre- and post-acquired assets and treatment of inherited wealth
• Analysis of recent authorities:
  • Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26
  • RM v WP [2024] EWFC 191
• Overview of the main different types of trusts
• Assets within a discretionary trust and potential orders that can be made by the court
• Considerations of the issue of disclosure and joinder applications
• Overview of invalid and sham trusts
• Procedural considerations and practical guidance
• Looking to the future