Philip D’Arcy, joint managing partner of Reading-based law firm Blandy & Blandy LLP has been accepted as a member of The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

ACTAPS was established in 1997 for lawyers specialising in contentious trust and probate work. The aim of ACTAPS is to provide a forum for specialists to exchange experience, know-how and an appreciation of the law. ACTAPS encourages members to hold seminars, conferences and meetings for the discussion of contentious trust and probate issue. It also encourages members to promote the enhancement of the specific skills and expertise in this area by the provision of education and training and, where possible, to enable representations to be made to the appropriate governmental and judicial bodies in relation to contentious trust and probate issues.

Members of ACTAPS endeavour to act in accordance with a voluntary Code of Conduct with a view to securing a faster and more cost effective resolution of disputes.

Blandy & Blandy provides a variety of specialist legal services to both commercial and private clients. The firm has a team of lawyers who specialise in contested wills and estates, whether acting against an estate or as one of its executors.

D'Arcy’s involvement in ACTAPS will provide clients with the assurance that Blandy & Blandy has wide ranging expertise in providing contentious probate services and keep aware of all new developments in this sector.

D’Arcy commented:  "I have been specialising in contentious probate services for many years, and am looking forward to being more involved with ACTAPS. My involvement will continue my development in this area so that I am able to give both my clients and colleagues first class legal advice in a field of law which is constantly evolving.”