Keystone Law Isle of Man trust solicitors and advocates in Douglas

The Keystone Isle of Man Trusts team collectively has 48 years’ experience and expertise in dealing with large and complex contentious trust cases, and most of the work undertaken in this sector is multi-jurisdictional. We also provide assistance with non-contentious trust issues such as the creation of different types of trust and foundation structures with a wide range of purposes, and the drafting and review of trust deeds and instruments.

For further information or to discuss a matter please telephone 0333 939 8000 or click here to email us.

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Court applications for obtaining equitable relief by way of mistake, Hastings-Bass, rectification
Confidentiality issues for both beneficiaries and trustees
Multi-jurisdictional trust disputes
Discretionary trust structures and restructuring
Review and drafting of trust and foundation documentation
Private Trust Company formation and operation
Alleged breach of trust claims
The efficacy of no-contest / in terrorem clauses in trust deeds
Alleged constructive trust / resulting trust claims
Execution of deeds
Drafting trust instruments for unit trusts and purpose trusts
Charitable and non-charitable purpose trusts

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Contentious Trust Matters

AB v CD [2016] – Acted for the successful Claimant in the landmark decision in the Isle of Man courts on the Hastings-Bass principle and on the law relating to relief for equitable mistake following its reformulation by the UK Supreme Court in Pitt v Holt. Also dealt with considerations of the need to protect the identity of the settlor, the trustee and the beneficiaries where private family trusts are involved.
Oliver & Oths v Fedelta Trustees [2020] – Acted for the successful Claimant in obtaining relief for equitable mistake. This case also confirmed for the first time on the Isle of Man that the UK’s Supreme Court case of Pitt v Holt forms part of Isle of Man law. Pitt v Holt clarified the law of mistake and considerations of public policy and introduced a requirement that the Claimant must show that it would be unconscionable to allow the mistake not to be reversed.
Mr AH v (1) Greyco Limited and (2) ABC Trust Company Limited [2020] – Acted for the successful Defendant in defending an application sought by the applicant for the disclosure of trust documents from the Court. The Defendant opposed the application on confidentiality grounds.
Advised a shareholder in a claim against three of his fellow shareholders (who were also holding the shares in trust for the client) for damages in the sum of £500,000 as a result of breach of the shareholders’ agreement, and fraudulently breaching their fiduciary duties and trust by manipulating the valuation of the client’s shares following his resignation from the company. This matter reached a successful conclusion following a lengthy mediation.
Advised the executors of a billionaire’s estate on an application to seek the court’s direction on the ownership of the deceased’s family home, as a result of a number of failed trusts and an erroneous conveyance made in the deceased’s lifetime.
Advised the executors of an estate, valued at over £20m, in defending a claim over the validity of a will and allegations of undue influence.
Advised a number of clients in Beddoe Applications and applications seeking the directions of the court.

Non-Contentious Trust Matters

Creation of discretionary trust structures for use by ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Creation of discretionary trust structures to ultimately own corporate structures.
Creation of purpose trusts to create orphan structures including the preparation of all associated documentation.
Creation of unit trusts including the preparation of associated documentation in the context of structuring investments offshore.
Creation of discretionary foundation structures for use by ultra-high-net-worth individuals for multiple reasons including philanthropic, divorce and succession planning.
Creation of discretionary foundation structures to ultimately own corporate structures.
Redomiciliation of foundations from Panama to the Isle of Man.
Creation of private trust companies for use as trustees on trust structures including their constitutional documents and commercial agreements with service providers.
Advising on Private Trust Companies in relation to their Isle of Man regulatory obligations and their obligations under the Isle of Man AML/CFT Code.
Advising on the drafting and reviewing of trust deeds and trust instruments, including Deeds of Appointment, Deeds of Payment, Deeds of Transfer and