John Franklin

His private children practice includes contested hearings and fact-finding proceedings. He prepares rigorously for contested evidence and gives clear advice about the questions the court will need to resolve. His work in protective proceedings is valuable where allegations of domestic abuse overlap with disputes about arrangements for children.

John acts for applicants and respondents throughout financial remedy proceedings, from first appointments and financial dispute resolution hearings to contested final hearings. His work includes cases involving substantial assets, companies, trusts, insolvency issues and third-party interests. He approaches the financial material methodically and presents the issues in a form that assists both negotiation and judicial determination.

He also accepts instructions in applications for financial provision for children under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989. His combined family and chancery practice is particularly useful where financial provision must be considered alongside disputes about the ownership of property.

John advises and represents cohabitants and other parties in disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. His work includes constructive and resulting trusts, the extent of beneficial shares and equitable accounting. He brings together the documentary evidence and the history of the parties’ dealings to identify the basis of the competing claims.

He gives advice in writing and in conference, and assists with negotiation and contested proceedings. His experience across family finance and chancery litigation enables him to consider related ownership and financial provision issues together while keeping their distinct legal bases clear.

John advises and acts in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. These instructions often involve the overlap between family relationships, financial needs, property ownership and the administration of an estate. He gives clear advice on the merits and practical implications of the claim, with attention to both contested proceedings and negotiated resolution.

John advises and acts in matters concerning trusts, wills, probate and the administration of estates. He combines technical analysis with an appreciation of the personal relationships that often underlie these disputes. He assists with both contested matters and advisory work, explaining the options available and the consequences of pursuing them.

John advises and represents clients in commercial, company and insolvency disputes. His practice brings together contractual analysis and the trust or property issues that may sit behind a business relationship. He gives practical advice on the available arguments, evidential requirements and prospects of resolution.

Tax law

John accepts tax law instructions. His practice in trusts, estates, companies, insolvency and family finance equips him to identify tax questions arising alongside the underlying dispute. The clerks can discuss the nature of the tax issue and the advice or representation required.

John’s financial remedy practice includes preparation and representation at financial dispute resolution hearings. Advice on merits, financial evidence and proposed outcomes can support a private FDR process. The clerks can discuss the assistance required for a proposed private FDR instruction.

A focused assessment of the legal issues and evidence can help parties understand the strengths and risks of their positions before committing to further litigation. John’s advisory practice across family finance and chancery work provides a basis for discussing this form of assistance. Enquiries about single joint advice or an early neutral evaluation should be made through the clerks so that the scope and capacity of the instruction can be agreed.

John’s experience of family finance, cohabitation, inheritance and commercial disputes informs his approach to settlement discussions. Advice in conference can clarify the issues, test proposed terms and identify matters that an agreement needs to resolve. His work on inheritance claims is particularly relevant where financial needs and estate or ownership issues overlap.

John provides advice on merits in writing and in conference, with a focus on the evidence, the available arguments and the outcome sought. Enquiries may include assistance with drafting and preparation for negotiations or hearings. The clerks can discuss the work required and arrange an appropriate scope of instruction, whether for a particular stage or a connected series of tasks.