Oliver is superb, very focused, technically sound and detail-orientated. ‘He has a broad practice and always provides us with practical, no-nonsense advice. He is a strong advocate in court’ ‘He is great; very personable and approachable and so solution-orientated.’ ‘He is extremely brainy, very modest and good with clients.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

Oliver’s wills and trusts practice spans all contentious and non-contentious matters.  He advises upon and acts, both as advocate and mediator, in disputes involving the validity of wills, claims under Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, the removal of executors, construction of wills and trust documents, and for rectification of wills and trust documents. His expertise includes:

Administration of Estates

Oliver regularly advises in respect of the correct administration of estates in both contentious and non-contentious forums, including as to construction of wills and trust documents.  He appeared successfully on behalf of the claimant in the first claim to consider the effect of s. 67 Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the construction of a will.  He is particularly experienced in advising and appearing in claims involving the removal of executors and personal representatives.

Disputed Wills

Oliver has experience in claims for rectification of wills, mutual wills, and invalidity claims based on testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval, and undue influence.

Recent cases include:

  • Successful contesting a will based on lack of testamentary capacity.
  • Opposing a claim for rectification out of itme.

Inheritance Act Claims

Oliver has a substantial 1975 Act practice, acting for claimant and defendant beneficiaries, and executors.  As well as advising and appearing at mediation, he appears a preliminary issue hearings and trial throughout the UK.

Recent cases include:

  • A claim involving assets in England and Turkey.
  • Successfully obtaining permission out of time for an adult child.
  • Ames v Jones, an adult child claim involving s. 9 and lifestyle choice issues.

Proprietary Estoppel

Oliver is regularly instructed in proprietary estoppel claims, which often overlap with his other contentious probate work.  He has successfully appeared at trial to obtain a beneficial interest in a family home, and has been involved in a long running estoppel dispute involving an estate in Somerset.

Trusts

Oliver advises on and acts in all matters involving trusts.

Recent cases include:

  • Successfully obtaining an order for rectification of two lifetime trusts.
  • Advising on trustees’ powers, and on the operation of an Employee Benefit Trust.

Mediation

Oliver acts as an advocate at mediation and as a mediator in all wills and trusts disputes.

Cases

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Resources

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Directory Quotes

Oliver is great on his feet and quick to reassure clients with a friendly smile. He provides a sound strategy to achieve a client’s goal without getting lost in ancillary matters, cutting through the noise and focussing on the important issues.”

The Legal 500 2024, Chancery, Probate, and Tax

Oliver is an excellent problem solver with a forensic eye for detail. His reassuring and calming style is a real asset.”

The Legal 500 2023, Chancery, Probate and Tax

Oliver’s advice was first rate. He is very capable and does a thorough job in advising and representing when it comes to contentious trusts and probate disputes.’ ‘Oliver is unflappable, thorough, knowledgeable and great with clients. He is extremely approachable.’ ‘Mr Wooding is incredibly academic and thought-provoking in his review of a case. Any submissions made are incredibly well thought out and thorough.’ ‘Oliver is able to identify the key issues in extremely complex and technical matters.”

Chambers UK 2023, Chancery

Clear and concise with his advice and drafting, with an imaginative yet practical approach to cases.”

Legal 500 2022, Chancery, Probate & Tax

Tactically astute and very thorough in his preparation.”

Legal 500 2021, COMMERCIAL, BANKING, INSOLVENCY AND CHANCERY LAW

Seminars & Events

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  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA (Hons) Modern History (Oxon.)
    • M.St Modern History (History of the United States of America) (Oxon.)
    • GDL (City)
    • Exhibitioner of Lincoln College, Oxford (2003-2005)
    • Scholarship from the Rhodes Trust (2003)
    • Queen Mother Scholar
    • Harmsworth Entrance Exhibitioner of Middle Temple (2007-2009)

  • Professional memberships:

    • ACTAPS (Associate Member)
    • STEP (Affiliate Member)
    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Agricultural Law Association
    • Court of Protection Bar Association

  • Oliver Wooding is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.