If you are working in the field of contentious probate and trusts, or want to move into this area, this comprehensive course will give your career a real boost, providing a recognised qualification as an associate member of a well-regarded organisation.
The University of Law, in collaboration with the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), offers this training course for those specialising in contentious probate and trusts whose ultimate goal is to become members of this specialist association.
Predominantly distance learning, but supported by study sessions primarily at our London Moorgate campus, this course is designed to develop expertise in contentious trusts and probate.
This course is designed to be studied over three years although there is an option to fast-track and complete in two years, if preferred.
Our ACTAPS course is open to all solicitors, barristers and legal executives. Upon successful completion you will become an associate member of ACTAPS, a forum which allows specialists in this field to exchange experience and expertise. Application for full membership of ACTAPS is at the discertion of the Association Committee. The application form and conditions of membership are available on the ACTAPS website.
For the avoidance of any doubt, the Association has asked us to highlight that successful completion of the education course will not in any way guarantee a successful application for full membership. If you do not have an active contentious trust and probate practice, after having successfully completed the education course, this may adversely affect an application for full membership.
ACTAPS issue associate membership certificates once a year following completion of all the elements of the course.
Studying the ACTAPS Programme with us will enable you to:
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a client’s claim in probate and trust disputes
- Progress a case using correct procedure
- Draft appropriate documentation and letters
- Determine a basis for negotiation
- Assist a client in alternative dispute resolution
- Advise settlors, beneficiaries and trustees where there is a possibility that a trust may be a sham
- Advise on steps to trace and recover assets
Course Details
Predominantly distance-learning based, this course aims to develop specialist expertise in this field. It is open to all qualified solicitors, barristers and legal executives.
The course is structured around five core modules, with an additional session on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). While the course is predominantly distance-learning based, each module incorporates at least one face-to-face session led by an experienced practitioner.
Year 1
Probate Actions (October to January)
Mental Capacity (February to June)
Year 2
Inheritance Act Claims (October to January)
Trust Actions (January to March)
Sham Trusts and Asset Tracing (March to June)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The ADR session is delivered as an afternoon face-to-face session of three hours and can be undertaken in June or September. Although most people study the course over two years, it is possible to defer the Sham Trusts and Asset Tracing module together with the ADR session into a third year.
Full Course Details
To get full details of this course and everything it offers, including a full breakdown of the modules and their content, download our ACTAPS brochure and booking form.*
*Links to our updated brochure and booking form coming soon.
Course Fees
You can choose to pay the full amount upfront, or alternatively, you can pay for your first year at the time of booking and pay for years 2 and 3 at the start of year 2. Course fees are the same whether you take the course over two or three years. The current fee for this course is published on The University’s Application Form.