Friday, 13 March 2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the duties of executors and the circumstances that may justify removal, including conflicts of interest, misconduct, breaches of duty and disputes with beneficiaries
- Apply principles from leading and recent case law, including the impact of the Trusts Act 2019, to assess when court intervention may be necessary and develop practical strategies for executor removal disputes
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Removal of Executors: A Review of Current Cases and Related Issues
- Examine the role and duties of executors and the circumstances which might lead to their removal including conflicts of interest, unsatisfactory conduct or breaches of duties, and conflict between or amongst the beneficiaries and executors
- Focus on the leading and current cases and consider the impact of the Trusts Act 2019 on this role
- Gain practical guidance to assist you regarding the need for the court’s intervention, or when that is inevitable, and steer you towards a successful outcome
Presented by Rebecca Steens, Senior Associate, Holland Beckett
Chair
Michael Gorton, Senior Associate, TGT Legal
Presenters
Michael Gorton, Senior Associate, TGT LegalMike is a solicitor qualified in England & Wales. He joined TGT Legal after relocating from London where he worked for several international law firms, having qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2016. He advised trustees of large superannuation schemes in relation to all aspects of trusts law and UK pensions law, including trustee duties and obligations in the context of high value transactions and investments. In New Zealand, he advises private clients in relation to trust establishment and administration, estate planning and relationship property whilst continuing to advise trustees of superannuation schemes
Rebecca Steens, Senior Associate, Holland Beckett
Rebecca is an estates, trust and elder law specialist. With a background in contentious trusts and estates, Rebecca brings a unique and practical perspective for her clients. Rebecca advises on: Estate Planning – Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Advance Care Plans & Living Wills; Estate Administration – Probate, Letters of Administration, Letters of Administration with Will Annexed, Exemplification of Probate, Reseal of Probate, preparing Deeds of Family Arrangement, supporting executors in contentious estates; Trusts – formation and administration including facilitating AGMs, reviewing and updating trust deeds and memorandums of wishes, making applications to the High Court for variations to trust deeds, advising trustees of their obligations and where necessary making applications for directions to the High Court, advising Beneficiaries of their rights, considering the overall purpose of having the trust (including creditor protection, succession, tax issues) and facilitate wind up; Elder Law – advising on the use of family trusts, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, working with medical practitioners; Occupation Right Agreements (aka Licence to Occupy) – regarding Retirement Villages or Rest Home Care Units. Prior to joining the succession and estates team, Rebecca had 8 years of experience in estate and trust litigation, including four years at an Offshore firm in Jersey, in the Channel Islands. Rebecca has brought this experience back to Tauranga and works closely with Holland Beckett’s family and litigation teams. Rebecca is a Tauranga local. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her young family and getting outdoors to cycle and run.
