Claims Against Estates (2026) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 17 February 2026.

Join us for this session on the complexities of ‘Claims Against Estates”. Presented by two experts in this area, this On Demand will delve into critical areas such as the Family Protection Act 1955, and the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, along with recent case law developments. You’ll learn effective strategies for mitigating claims through proactive pre-death planning and explore the complexities of estate issues in blended families.

Learning Outcomes

Consider the claims which could be made by family members against the Estate under the Family Protection Act 1955, Property (Relationships) Act 1976, and Family Proceedings Act 1980 (maintenance).
Learn effective strategies for pre-death planning to mitigate risks of claims against the estate and ensure comprehensive protection for clients.
Understand the challenges of planning for blended families and the tensions that arise in blended families in pre and post death arrangements and plan for equitable distribution and conflict reduction.
Understand the role and implications of pre death arrangements such as Enduring Powers of Attorney and Property (Relationships) Act 1976 agreements on estates.
Learn about effective mechanisms to resolve estate disputes through Deeds of Family Arrangement.

Who Should Watch?

Anyone doing private client work, including general practitioners and legal executives.

Presenters

Carmel Walsh | Barrister, Bankside Chambers
Stephanie Irons | Director, Davenport Law

Carmel Walsh

Carmel Walsh has over 25 years’ experience as a litigator in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and England. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand in 1993; and a solicitor and solicitor advocate (Higher Courts Civil) in London in 2000/2001. She holds both a New Zealand and English practising certificate.

In London as a senior associate at Norton Rose and a partner at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, she acted in large scale high profile litigation including the film finance litigation, SCB fraudulent reinsurance litigation, fraud claims within the captive insurer of a large telecom company, the multi-jurisdictional reinsurance arbitration and litigation following the collapse of Arthur Andersen, and a US billion dollar audit claim against a Big Four accountancy practice.

Carmel is a former contributing author to Informa’s Reinsurance Practice and the Law, and a former secretary and editor of the Negligence and Damages committee of the International Bar Association.

Since returning to New Zealand Carmel has specialised in property litigation, equity and trusts, estates litigation and relationship property, particularly where complex issues arise requiring expert forensic accounting evidence.

Carmel sits on the board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NZTrio and the New Zealand Opera School.

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Stephanie Irons

Stephanie is a director at Davenports Law. She specialises in private wealth law including all aspects of trust law, succession planning, the intergenerational passage of wealth and relationship property matters.

Stephanie is a member of The Law Association Trust Law Committee.

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Details

CPD Hours: 1.25hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $140 plus GST
Non-Member: $200 plus GST

This On Demand includes the video and materials, and will earn CPD.
Click here to access materials only.