Elder abuse, predatory marriage, the Law Commission and the reform of Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837. 28 March 2023

Speakers: Stephen Lawson, Andrew Bishop and Daphne Franks

It’s not every day that delegates get the opportunity to influence law reform!

Your mother and her man-friend – did you know they were married?

So a phone call from Joan Blass’s doctor began a horrific series of events that highlighted gaps in safeguarding for the elderly and the vulnerable both at the time of marriage and with regard to legal protection generally.

The daughter of Joan Blass – Daphne Franks – tells the story of a secret marriage, a revoked will and an unmarked grave, grooming gaslighting a private members bill, and the campaign to highlight all of the issues.

All of this matters to private client practitioners – because predatory marriage is often linked in with other aspects of elder abuse including the preparation of wills, Powers of Attorney, or gifts of property.

One of the issues currently being considered by the Law Commission (and by the Law Society and STEP) is whether marriage should no longer automatically revoke a will.

Stephen Lawson and Andrew Bishop are both contentious probate lawyers – and they will deal with some of the legal issues arising and the steps that private client practitioners can take to protect themselves and their clients.

The lecture will be followed by a debate – seeking the views of delegates as to whether or not marriage should continue to revoke a will. The views of delegates will be fed back by the presenters to the Law Commission, the Law Society, and STEP.

Register to attend by contacting [email protected]