Stephen Boyd

I offer expertise in disputes about contested wills and trusts and claims under the Inheritance Act.

Typically passions run high in these cases but I exercise calm authority to put the case in proper and persuasive order.

My approach

I am very easy to get along with and build good rapport with clients.

I like to meet face to face.

I give candid, easy to digest advice so that there are no surprises and you know where you stand.

I usually set fixed fees, so that you know exactly how much you will have to pay.

My work

1. In Gill v Gill I represented the claimant who successfully sued her siblings for conspiracy to forge her signature on a TR1 transferring title to her brother. Through careful cross examination, I was able to show that the siblings were not telling the truth.

2. In Howard v Howard-Lawson I appeared for the defendant who successfully resisted his son’s claim that he had committed breaches of trust and exercised undue influence over him in connection with a variation of trust.

3. In Haghighat v Haghighat I appeared for the claimant who successfully claimed that a property in the name of her son, the defendant, was held for her on a resulting trust or that it was a gift procured by his undue influence.

4. In Watts v Watts I appeared for the claimant, the beneficiary under a trust fund set up by his father, who successfully sued his brother, who was the trustee, for breach of trust, undue influence and deceit.

5. In Walker v Walker I appeared for the administratrix of the estate of her late father in her claim for possession of the family home against her sister.

6. 17/7/20 Master Teverson In the Matter of the Estate of Peter Henry Wales. By his will, the deceased gave his residuary estate to “such all of my nephew’s and niece’s children”. At the date of his death, the deceased had two blood nephews and two blood nieces. He also had three nephews by marriage and one niece by marriage. The issue for determination was whether the estate fell to be divided between the blood relatives alone or also the nephews and niece by affinity. It was held that in the light of the surrounding circumstances, applying Marley v Rawlings [2015] AC 129 and Re Daoust [1944] 1 All ER 443, and considering the Canadian case of Re Holmes (2007) BCSC 51, the deceased intended to include nephews and nieces by affinity as well as by consanguinity. - Stephen Boyd acted for the nephews and nieces by affinity.

About me

I have been in practice as a barrister for more than 35 years.

My degree was in Russian, Swedish and Law.

I worked in commerce in Hong Kong and South Africa before starting practice.

I am also a mediator and arbitrator.

Outside of work, I enjoy acting, improvisation and fitness; pastimes which help keep my mind sharp.

What my clients say

"Stephen has supported me over the last twelve months with a commercial litigation matter. From the outset, Stephen has been most exemplary, first spending time with me in Chambers to review the matter and then supporting me with the various stages of litigation. He has been extremely approachable and presented the complex stages with clarity and care. His communication has been prompt, clear and supportive, I would not hesitate in recommending him." - Jake Elsley

“We have instructed Stephen Boyd continually over the past four years for a number of matters. He always provides excellent client care both in terms of his rapport and the support that he offers. Stephen always exceeds our expectations resulting in successful outcomes every time. He clearly has an aptitude for the work he does. Not only is Stephen pragmatic, he is charismatic. He has been for the past four years, and will remain our first point of contact”, Mr & Mrs Bharj"

Stephen Boyd is an exceptional barrister. Initially, I was stuck in a rut trying to find a legal representative to assist me with a ‘David and Goliath’ type legal matter relating to misrepresentation against a large property corporation. Prior to meeting Stephen, I had wasted a great deal of time and money with legal professionals who were experts at telling me that I ‘did not have a case’. A solicitor then told me that Stephen was the best barrister that she had worked with. Stephen concluded that I had a cast-iron case against the company, which led to my day in court. Following that case, I have recommended Stephen to friends and associates, who have praised his performance in court, and I have used him to assist me with other legal challenges. Stephen is both fearless and bold with an attention to fact and detail. If I were faced with a legal challenge in the future, I would use no other than Stephen Boyd." - Adrian Brissett

"Re: action concerning misrepresentation in respect of the purchase of a buy to let apartment from a very large British building company and their refusal to accept responsibility. Stephen had been recommended by a friend. His modus operandi is consistent: be sure of your facts; substantiate them with clear evidence; do not exaggerate and leave him to present your case in court where he will prove himself not only eloquent and self-assured but armed with all the necessary information. He will always advise mediation as being better than court and also assists in this role." - Mr and Mrs Walker, Bucks

Professional & academic

I have a B.Sc (Hons) from Surrey University and obtained the degree of barrister from the Inns of Court School of Law.

I was called to the Bar in 1977, but started to practise in 1982.

I have a postgraduate certificate in Sports Law from King’s College, London.

I successfully completed the ACTAPS course and am entitled to put the letters CTAPS after my name – Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialist.

I am a CEDR-accredited mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Memberships

Chancery Bar Association
Commercial Bar Association
Property Bar Association

Specialisations

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