STEP is considering the development and implementation of an online testamentary capacity assessment course and is keen to assess members’ appetite and enthusiasm. With very little guidance or industry training currently available, an online course could be a valuable educational tool for anyone required to interact with capacity assessments.
The background to the course
In 2017 the Law Commission of England and Wales produced a consultation report on reform of the law of wills. While its work was postponed, it is likely to recommence early next year. Paragraph 2.132 of the report notes ’stakeholders have raised the possibility of introducing an accreditation scheme.. this would deal with the problems raised by the Golden Rule by directing testators and professionals towards people competent to undertake capacity assessments. An accreditation would mark out who could best assess capacity in difficult cases. Accreditation would also be persuasive in litigation should capacity be contested after the death of the testator…’.
It continued, ‘a scheme might be operated by a private organisation who would accredit lawyers, medical professionals and social workers to assess capacity… we recognise the value of private accreditation schemes’.
STEP believes it is exceptionally well-placed to offer its members an accredited scheme of this kind, if they would find it beneficial and valuable to their professional duties.
The proposed course
The course is likely to be webinar-based, comprising a series of interlinked sessions provided by relevant experts including solicitors, counsel and medics. Modules are likely to include:
- Capacity – and the issues that affect it.
- Law – the legal tests of testamentary capacity (for example considering the Banks v Goodfellow test in contrast to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 – and how these tests are treated by courts).
- Practice – dealing with medics, matters to include in file notes, the importance of family trees, assessing clients.
- The introduction of a standardised testamentary assessment questionnaire.
Other considerations are whether the course will be adapted for implementation across the common law jurisdictions, and whether completion will provide accreditation.
Join the debate
We would like to invite you to a free discussion on Wednesday 30 June at 4.30pm (BST) to explore the proposals for this course in more detail. Claire van Overdijk TEP (Chair of the STEP Mental Capacity Special Interest Group (SIG)) will moderate a panel discussion including Professor Robin Jacoby, Alexander Learmonth QC TEP, Australian neuropsychologist Dr Jane Lonie and Stephen Lawson TEP. The panel will discuss its views and there will be opportunities for questions.
- Testamentary capacity: the issues, 30 June
The STEP Blog 
good idea
Excellent idea – private client practitioners are often faced with challenging client meetings and an in-depth knowledge of assessing capacity is essential
I see this as a valuable addition to the courses available from STEP. Too often practitioners are faced with a capacity dilemma and unsure what route to adopt, such as own assessment or medical assessment.
I strongly support this initiative. As private practitioners, we may often be meeting with a client and/or family before an official capacity assessment has been made.
I have been involved in litigation regarding capacity, and it is always a difficult issue – i think a course specifically dealing with this area would be great.
I think this is an excellent idea and would be most interested in such a course being made available.
Definitely a positive, mental capacity is often an area poorly understood. I would be very interested in the course.