Robert Arnfield has been in practice at the Chancery Bar for nearly 30 years. His main practice areas include non-contentious and contentious private client, commercial chancery and associated taxation and professional negligence.
His non-litigious practice includes drafting and advising on trusts, wills, administration of estates, deeds of variation, deeds of appointment and shareholder agreements often with an international element. Robert’s related tax experience includes Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Pre-owned Assets Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax and Corporation Tax.
Robert is also regularly instructed by parties or prospective parties to litigation or mediation in the same areas. Typical matters involve Inheritance Act claims, removal of trustees, challenges to wills and the construction or rectification of wills, trusts or commercial agreements.
Commercial & Business Disputes
Robert’s wide advisory practice involves trusts, wills, estates and tax planning or mitigation for individuals, executors and trustees. This will frequently involve nil-rate band, Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief planning for Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax deferral including several recent Variation of Trusts Act 1958 applications to extend perpetuity periods.
Recent Cases:
- A v B [2016] EWHC 340 (Ch): Variation of Trusts Act 1958 application to extend perpetuity period. Case raised issues of confidentiality and offers guidance on the temporary exclusion of beneficiaries.
- DC v AC [2016] EWHC 477 (Ch): Variation of Trusts Act 1958 application to extend perpetuity period. Observations on impact on existing life interest for Inheritance Tax purposes.
- Re A Settlements (2016): Providing UK tax advice on effect of Jersey variation of trust application to rectify settlement deeds.
- Re R Settlements (2016): Advice and drafting concerning availability of Agricultural and Business Property Relief for substantial landed estate largely held through settlements.
Recommendations
Qualifications
- Christ Church, Oxford University
Associations & Memberships
- Chancery Bar Association
- Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Robert Arnfield is a self-employed, independent barrister whose practice is governed by the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England and Wales. He is regulated by The Bar Standards Board [Bar Ref 35750] and is fully insured with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund [BMIF Ref 2360/050] to provide legal services, please refer to the BMIF website for full details of the world-wide cover provided. He is registered for VAT under the reference 701412886.