STEP Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes

This qualification will help those involved with the creation and administration of trusts to anticipate, and avoid, the common pitfalls which can lead to trust litigation.

This course can be taken as part of The STEP Diploma.

Course details

This course provides practitioners with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to avoid and better manage trust disputes.

Gain in-depth expertise: Improve your understanding of the themes that are commonly encountered in relation to trust disputes to enable you to anticipate and avoid issues, reducing the risk and need of litigation.
Practical focus: Practical advice and guidance written by practitioners, for practitioners.
Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world.
Industry recognition: Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership, enhancing your professional standing, and is awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.

View the Jun 2025 course timetable

View the Jan 2026 course timetable

Course dates, fees and enrol now:

Entry requirements may apply. Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma - Set 3

Find out more about The STEP Diploma

Entry requirements

60 Entry Level credits which can be achieved through:

Completion of a STEP Certificate (30 credits)
Previous learning - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) application - 30 credits
Work experience - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - 30 credits

Note: You do not need to apply for APEL or APCL if you already have confirmed, or if you have studied for at least two STEP Certificates previously.

Apply for APCL or APEL

Become a member of STEP

This is a STEP course/qualification. STEP membership is required to study this course and must be maintained throughout the duration of your studies.

You will need 60 Entry Level credits and if you are not already, you will become an Affiliate member by enrolling on this course. STEP will contact you regarding membership 4-6 weeks after course enrolment.

Successful completion of the course will provide 30 Diploma Level credits as part of the STEP Qualification and Membership framework.

Find out more about STEP Membership

What will I learn?

Download Syllabus

Recurrent themes and key principles in trust disputes
Different causes of trust disputes
Measures to protect parties in anticipation of trust disputes
Preventative actions to avoid trust litigation
Post-litigation safeguards for involved parties
Issues to consider in cross-border litigation
The potential risks involved in the creation and administration of trusts and how to manage and avoid them

Is this course right for me?

The course is designed for all professionals involved in the creation and administration of trusts.

Students of this course typically include:

trust officers/administrators
trust managers
trustees/fiduciaries
corporate administrators
lawyers/solicitors/attorneys
wealth managers
financial/estate planners
accountants
tax advisors
compliance officers/managers
bankers

Course format

This course is available for study twice a year.

The programme is delivered online and will take four months to complete. We recommend that you spend four to six hours per week on private study for the four months prior to the assessment.

Enrolment onto this course will include the following:

access to the online learning platform containing:
- bespoke course reading
- supporting podcasts
- self-assessment material
- distance learning support
assessment fees

The course is assessed by way of a 3,500-4,000 word written assignment based on a published case study.

Course dates

View the course timetable