Biography
I'm a Partner specialising in resolving disputes about wills, estates and trusts. I work with Beneficiaries, Executors and Trustees (including professional Executors/Trustees) in order to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible, with a view to minimising costs.
I aim to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, wherever possible, to resolve matters in a more timely and cost effective manner. However, I also have considerable experience of litigating matters up to the High Court where necessary.
People involved with these disputes are often suffering the effects of bereavement at the same time. This can make it more difficult for them to cope with the dispute or to see how best to resolve it. I aim to give clear and pragmatic advice, while remaining sensitive to the effects of the bereavement on all sides.
When dealing with Executors or Trustees, I advise how to protect their position, in line with their obligations, such as by maintaining their neutrality in sometimes difficult circumstances.
My experience includes:
- Claims against estates or trusts by disappointed Beneficiaries
- Challenges to the validity of Wills
- Disputes between Executors, Trustees, and Beneficiaries
- Removal of Executors
- Disputes about the interpretation of Wills
- Disputes about Estate or Trust assets or their distribution
- Guidance for Trustees or Executors about their obligations
- Claims against professional advisors
- Disputes over property ownership (where a trust has arisen)
- Disputes involving the actions or removal of Attorneys
- Disputed deputyships.
Testimonials
"She is very professional while at the same time empathetic. Her ability to grasp the situation and respond in a decisive way is very impressive... Her depth and breadth of knowledge of contentious wills and dispute resolution is second to none.” - Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2021 (Leading Individual, Band 3)
"Candy is extremely thorough and carefully considers all options with the client in order to settle upon the most effective strategy to achieve the client’s aims. She has very sound commercial judgement, and excellent knowledge of the law." - Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2021
"Candy Stockton is an extremely able, practical and no-nonsense litigator. She fights for her clients" - Legal 500, 2021
"Candy displayed a good grasp of the situation and the ability to anticipate potential future difficulties which might have been encountered." - Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2020
"Candy Stockton's attention to detail and comprehensive analysis ensures that the client appreciates all options and is able to choose how to proceed with real confidence" - Legal 500, 2021
What inspired you to get into law?
After a significant previous career, I had the misfortune to be personally involved in long-running litigation. This caused me to acquire (by necessity, rather than choice) considerable knowledge of the relevant law.
Having succeeded in the litigation, I wished to put this new-found knowledge to good use, and decided to train for a career in law. This was one of the best decisions of my life, and has brought me great satisfaction and fulfilment.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Protecting my clients, or advancing their interests, in circumstances which are often unfamiliar or stressful for them, especially if I am able to achieve an outcome that is better than expected.
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy skiing, running, walking in the countryside, travel, and I have a keen interest in aviation. I am mother to two sons and a black Labrador (the latter having been the easier to train).
