Edward Skilton

Edward Skilton is a distinguished Principal Lawyer at Sladen Legal, renowned for his expertise in business law, particularly concerning equity, trusts, and succession. Edward's practice prominently focuses on safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries and addressing conflicts arising from decisions made by estate and trust controllers. He adeptly represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters within the County Court and Supreme Court, dealing with the removal and replacement of estate and trust executors and trustees, and resolving disputes over the judicial interpretation of trust instruments. Edward's proficiency extends to handling issues regarding the validity of wills, applications to present wills in Court, and claims for further provision from deceased estates. His keen understanding of the nuances involved in superannuation death benefits allows him to expertly navigate disputes over eligible recipients and trustee decisions. In addition to litigation, Edward is committed to crafting intricate estate plans, favouring a strategic approach for business owners aiming to transfer ownership to the next generation. His collaboration with families focuses on transitioning business equity and management through a blend of legal frameworks and non-binding family agreements, aiming to circumvent potential disputes. Edward also advises on administration and guardianship applications in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, particularly when concerns arise about an individual's decision-making capacity. His practice includes preparing Court-made wills in cases where individuals lack the mental capacity to modify their own wills, addressing asset protection concerns for potential beneficiaries. Regularly engaging with clients and professional groups, Edward shares his comprehensive knowledge on estate and business succession planning and administration. Among his professional recognitions, he is admitted to practise in both England and Wales and Victoria, and has been consistently recommended in the Doyles Guide and recognised in Best Lawyers Australia for his significant contributions to trusts and estates. Before his current tenure at Sladen Legal, Edward served as Special Counsel and Principal Lawyer, providing pivotal legal and consulting services to owners of private and family businesses. His career history also includes a notable period at Mills Oakley Lawyers, where he further honed his skills in handling complex inter-generational succession issues.