Marshall & Edwards v Marshall & Marshall [2025] EWHC 3376 (Ch) Deputy Master Linwood, High Court (ChD), 5 December 2025
Overview
A recent decision of Deputy Master Linwood concerns two linked applications in respect of an alleged pre‑action admission under CPR 14.
It provides a helpful summary of the principles the court will take into account when deciding (i) whether an admission has been made within the meaning of CPR 14.1 and (ii) if so, whether the Court ought to exercise its discretion to allow the admission to be withdrawn.
Background Facts
The Marshall family ran a successful retail business including a farm shop and garden centre in Hampshire. A partnership agreement was executed in 1997 between Peter Marshall and his children, Sharon (the Second Claimant) and Dean and Gary (the Defendants) (the “Agreement”). Peter died in January 2017. The First Claimant was Peter’s wife and the primary beneficiary under his will.