Conference Agenda

Family Law Key Developments

Presented by Safda Mahmood

1. Divorce, Nullity and Separation Law and Practice – Key Points 

This session will cover:

• Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act – The essentials

• What do you need to know? Practical Aspects – Key Updates

2. Private Children Law Developments 

This session will cover:

• Section 8 Applications and Enforcement – Developments 

• Fact finding hearings and Domestic Abuse Cases 

• Parental Responsibility – Key developments 

• Procedure and Case Law Update 

• Developments surrounding Child Focused Courts [previously Pathfinder Process]

3. Financial Remedy and Cohabitation Law Cases – Key Principles and Developments 

This session will cover:

• Trusts, Estoppel and Proposed Cohabitation Reform 

• Running cases- Use of TOLATA 1996 D

• Developments in use of Nuptial Agreements 

• Non- Disclosure and Conduct Issues in Financial Remedy Cases 

• Costs and Procedural Developments

4. Domestic Abuse Law and Developments 

This session will cover:

• Developments in Procedure 

• Non-molestation and Occupation Orders – Key aspects 

• Enforcement and Domestic Abuse Protection Order Developments
 

Residential Property Conveyancing Update

Presented by David Keighley.
 

Topics to follow.

Wills and Probate Key Developments

Presented by Julie Bell

1. Tax Update

This session will look at the latest updates for inheritance tax including the pension reforms and will encompass the Spring Fiscal Statement.

This session will cover the following: 

• How IHT on pensions will affect RNRB claims, and relevant planning to help mitigate the loss 

• Options for testators- what planning options are there

• Options for executors 

• Effect on estate administration and dealing with the IHT paperwork

Learning Aims and Objectives

After completing the session delegates will be: 

• aware of recent developments in IHT 

• able to amend office practices appropriately

2. Private Client Case Update

This session will provide a review of recent caselaw in the private client area – what do you need to be aware of and how are the courts treating certain issues at the moment.

Learning Aims and Objectives

After completing the session delegates will be: 

• advise clients correctly with up to date information 

• able to amend office practices appropriately

3. Soft Skills 

Dealing with clients making wills or applying for probate can create many challenges. The professional has to ask difficult questions and potentially deliver upsetting news. This session will cover the following: 

• Managing difficult conversations

• Spotting the signs of undue influence

• Protecting the practitioner’s own mental health 

• How to display empathy whilst retaining professionalism

• Cultural sensitivities that you need to be aware of

Learning Aims and Objectives

After completing the session delegates will be able to: 

• better protect their own wellbeing 

• be more alert to undue influences and the factors involved

4. Intestacies

Roughly 6 in 10 UK adults do not have a valid will in place and the number of intestacy grants is rising. Administering an intestate estate has many nuances and pitfalls for the unwary. 

This session will cover the following: 

• An overview of the law and procedure  

• Cases you need to be aware of 

• Options for the spouse

• Bona Vacantia – when it happens and what it means in practice

Learning Aims and Objectives

After completing the session delegates will be able to:

• advise clients correctly with up to date information 

• able to amend office practices appropriately

5. Testamentary Capacity

One of the most common grounds upon which a Will is challenged is an allegation that the deceased lacked the mental capacity to make it. This session will cover the following:

The current test for capacity in different circumstances 

• The Golden Rule – dealing with non-compliance 

• Cases you need to be aware of 

• What your attendance note should contain 

• Minimising risk to the practitioner 

• Responding to Larke v Nugus requests

Learning Aims and Objectives

After completing the session delegates will be able to: 

• advise clients correctly 

• able to amend office practices appropriately
 

Commercial Property Update

Presented by Ian Quayle
 

Topics to follow.