Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Contentious Probate: Template Letter of Instruction to Medical Expert on Testamentary Capacity (England and Wales) — CPR 35/Chancery Guide Compliance, Banks v Goodfellow, Evidence, Documents and Reporting

Precedents
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[ Insert Firm details ]

[ Addressee—insert name and address of expert ]

[ Date of letter ]

Private and confidential

Dear [ insert name of expert ]

Letter of Instruction

Case heading

In the Late Estate of [ insert name ] Deceased (‘the Deceased’)

We represent [ insert name ] (‘Our Client’), the Deceased’s [ son OR daughter ]. We ask that you provide expert opinion on whether the Deceased had testamentary capacity to prepare and sign [ her OR his ] Will dated [ insert day ] of [ insert month ] [ insert year ] (the Will). This letter outlines the factual background, identifies the principal documents, and sets out the matters you should consider.

As an expert witness, you will be expected to:

  • Prepare an expert report;
  • Respond to any questions arising from that report;
  • Where appropriate, confer with the other side’s expert; and
  • Give evidence at the trial.

These obligations are addressed below. As an expert witness, you must comply with certain duties and...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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