Oliver is an experienced trusts practitioner, particularly in the context of separating cohabitees. He is regularly instructed to provide advice prior to the issue of proceedings, as well as acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants in litigated disputes. His work has included claims involving multiple properties, farming cases and issues of proprietary estoppel, insolvency and fraud, amongst others.

Given his extensive financial remedies experience, he is frequently involved in disputes between trustees over the beneficial ownership of property as a preliminary issue within family proceedings.

He also accepts instructions in estate disputes, most frequently in relation to proprietary estoppel, contested wills, and claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Recent work includes:

  • Pre-issue advice and drafted pleadings in respect of property purchased subject to a Right to Buy discount.
  • For the successful claimant, established a 50% beneficial interest in property held in the sole name of the defendant and beat his own Part 36 offer at a multi-day trial. Provided pre-issue advice, drafted pleadings and representation throughout the litigation.
  • Pre-issue advice, drafted pleadings, including Part 18 questions, and representation at numerous hearings in respect of a complex dispute involving multiple properties and insolvency issues.
  • Drafted points of claim for a ToLATA dispute by the intervenor as a preliminary issue in financial remedies proceedings. Successful negotiation of the dispute at a 2-day final hearing, including costs.
  • Pre-issue advice on merits and quantification of proposed parallel ToLATA and Schedule 1 claims.
  • Pre-issue advice and drafted pleadings in respect of dispute involving issues including a substantial disputed gift by one parent through the sale of property at an undervalue and land with development potential.
  • Advice and representation in respect of the successful enforcement of an existing order for the sale of property.

Oliver is an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners.

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Client Quotes

“Oliver did a tremendous job for me today and I really appreciate the extra lengths that he went to.”

Instructing Solicitor

“Please pass on my thanks to Mr Riley as he was excellent. Very professional and conducted the case very well. He was well briefed and knowledgeable about the circumstances.”

Lay Client

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BPTC (UWE) – Outstanding, LLM Commercial Law (Birmingham) – Distinction (1st in Year), LLB (Cardiff)
    • Marshall Hall Trust Award (Inner Temple); BPTC Outstanding Prize (Inner Temple); Tutors Prize (UWE); Criminal Litigation, Evidence Prize Sentencing Prize (UWE); Civil Litigation & Evidence Prize (UWE); LLM Scholarship (University of Birmingham)

  • Oliver Riley is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.