Virtual

Predatory Marriage: Protecting Vulnerable Clients, and Hopes for Reform

01 Oct 2021

Location: 12.00pm - 1.00pm UK Time Virtual Event (Zoom)
Members: FREE - Book by 01 Oct
Non Members: Become a Member above and Register for FREE - Book by 01 Oct

Predatory Marriage: Protecting Vulnerable Clients, and Hopes for Reform

Highlights

A predatory marriage occurs where a vulnerable person is induced to marry by someone seeking to inherit his or her estate or otherwise gain some financial advantage. A marriage by a person lacking capacity is not void from the outset, so can wreak havoc with his or her estate planning.

The injustices created by this gap in the law are increasingly receiving attention from both public and press. Campaigners have brought the issue to Parliament’s attention, and the case for reform is gaining momentum.

Our panel will address:

  • the current legal position and its impact on vulnerable clients;
  • the steps advisors should take when a vulnerable client is identified as being at risk of a predatory marriage;
  • the options available to the families of vulnerable individuals, both before and after a predatory marriage occurs;    
  • how the Family Division’s inherent jurisdiction to protect vulnerable persons can be of assistance;
  • the nature of the reforms proposed by Fabien Hamilton MP in light of his constituent Joan Blass’s case; and
  • the need for both reform of the law and for better processes and procedures when registering marriages.

Your Expert Speakers include:

Constance McDonnell KC
Barrister
Serle Court

Constance specialises in trust and probate disputes.  She has appeared in a number of highly publicised cases, including Reeves v Drew (a probate dispute about the £100m estate of an illiterate testator). In 2016-17 she was Junior Counsel for the Respondent in the landmark case of Ilott v The Blue Cross in the UK Supreme Court. Constance acted for the successful respondent in the important case of Hirachand v Hirachand, in which the Court of Appeal determined in October 2021 that a CFA success fee can be recoverable as part of an award under the 1975 Act.  Constance also has an international practice, and in 2022 appeared twice in the Bermuda Court of Appeal, obtaining a personal costs order against PRs who had departed from a position of neutrality.


Constance McDonnell KC
Constance McDonnell KC Barrister
Serle Court
Robert Linden Laird Craig
Knowledge Development Lawyer, Private Client
Forsters

Robert is a Knowledge Development Lawyer in the Private Client team focussing on a broad range of practice areas pertaining to UK individuals, including wealth structuring, tax and estate planning, trusts, charities, mental capacity issues and contentious trusts and estates. 

Building on his previous practice as a Private Client lawyer in the team, Robert’s role involves keeping lawyers informed about the latest developments in the ever-changing Private Client landscape in England and Wales, providing legal updates, alongside training and seminars covering all relevant topics.

Prior to becoming a Knowledge Development Lawyer in 2019, Robert practiced as a Private Client Lawyer at Forsters, where he qualified in 2010.


Robert Linden Laird Craig
Robert Linden Laird Craig Knowledge Development Lawyer, Private Client
Forsters
Michael Armstrong
Senior Associate, Private Client
Forsters

Michael is involved in a wide range of private client work for both UK and international clients. He provides clear and practical legal advice which takes into account the sensitivities surrounding our clients' individual and family circumstances.  

Michael is involved in the preparation of wills and provision of related tax planning advice for both UK-domiciled and non-UK domiciled clients (including, in particular, clients with significant US connections). He also works on mental capacity issues, including the preparation and registration of lasting powers of attorney and the registration of existing enduring powers of attorney.

In addition, Michael provides UK tax advice regarding the establishment, administration and winding up of UK and offshore trusts. He also has experience of advising non-UK domiciled clients on the tax consequences of investing in UK residential property.

Michael trained at Forsters.


Michael Armstrong
Michael Armstrong Senior Associate, Private Client
Forsters

Agenda

11.55am
Audience Log-on
12.00pm
Chair's Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Constance McDonnell KC - Barrister - Serle Court
12.05pm
Predatory Marriage: Protecting Vulnerable Clients, and Hopes for Reform
Speakers:
Robert Linden Laird Craig - Knowledge Development Lawyer, Private Client - Forsters
Constance McDonnell KC - Barrister - Serle Court
Michael Armstrong - Senior Associate, Private Client - Forsters
12.45pm
Panel Q&A
1.00pm
Chair's Summation & Close of Event

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Contact Us

If you are interested in this event and would like some more information before making your decision to attend please contact Paul Barford on +44 2071 014155 or email paul@thoughtleaders4.com