Meet the team

Summary

I was admitted as a solicitor in 1975 since when I have gained a wealth of experience not only in my specialist field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and Inheritance Tax Planning, but in many other aspects of the law which I believe gives me the ability to take a global and holistic view of my clients needs.
I understand that in the field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and InheritanceTax Planning there are many complex issues which frequently need to be addressed by my clients at times of emotional stress and difficulty. I aim to adopt a sympathetic yet practical approach, seeking to explain complicated concepts in simple plain english.
I recognise the needs of our older clients who may need to rely upon others to look after matters for them.

Expertise

My expertise lies in all aspects, both contentious and non-contentious, of Wills, the administration of estates and Trusts including Inheritance Tax planning.

I have particular expertise in claims arising out of contested Wills, claims against Trustees for mis-use of Trust Funds and claims on behalf of children and other dependants when no provision has been made for them.

Case Study

I have represented claimants, defendants and executors in proceedings under the Inheritance Act where no provision has been made for dependants, including a claim where the settlement involved an overall saving of inheritance tax of several hundred thousand pounds.

I have acted as an Executors in many large estates involving several million pounds and act as a Trustee of a number of substantial Trusts.

Personal

I am married with children and grandchildren. In the winter months I continue to play hockey for my local team, taking particular pleasure when I am able to play in the same team as my son.

Summary

I am a Private Client Partner and work within the Residential Conveyancing and Wills Trust and Probate Teams. I joined Pictons in 1999 and became a Partner in 2003. I studied law at Birmingham University and qualified in 1991. Since then I have specialised in Private Client work and have acquired a broad range of experience in this area of legal practice.

I am committed to providing quality legal advice combined with the highest levels of customer service. My underlying approach is professional whilst understanding and approachable.

Expertise

Residential Conveyancing
Wills Trust and Probate

Personal

I am married with two young sons who together fill most of my free time. When I get the opportunity I love to go swimming, running and cycling and this season have joined the Pictons cricket team which has been great fun.

Summary

Losing a loved one is never easy and I understand the often sensitive nature of this area of work. I try to adopt a sympathetic approach and do whatever I can to make things as easy as possible for surviving family members. I am experienced in dealing with the administration of various estates, from those with minimal assets to those of considerable value, and can advise executors on all aspects of the administration from tax issues to dealing with the assets.

As well as administering estates I am a specialist in preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney. I regularly advise clients on nursing home planning via Wills, as well as Inheritance Tax planning. I am conscious of each client’s individual needs and always prepare bespoke documents tailored to their personal circumstances.

My approach is simple: “To provide a sensitive, personal and professional service".

Expertise

I am an expert in all aspects of Will drafting and administering Estates. I advise on: Wills & Trusts, Inheritance Tax planning, Probate and Administration of Estates, Court of Protection applications and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Case studies

I have recently dealt with the administration of a large estate worth in excess of several million pounds, incorporating various assets from investment portfolios to properties. Sadly it is not always the case that there are surviving relatives to deal with matters and in this instance all aspects of the administration fell to Pictons. I dealt with the whole process from arranging the funeral and clearance of the properties through to the final distribution of the estate. In this case the main beneficiary was a major charity and I also liaised closely with them regarding the estate and advised them on their own tax considerations.

I am also experienced in drafting Wills and have recently prepared Wills for foreign clients with assets both in the UK and abroad. This involved advising on the tax implications of being domiciled outside the UK.

Summary

Matters relating to Wills, Trusts and Probate can be daunting particularly if somebody is recently bereaved. My approach is to provide you with clear legal advice; detail a full explanation of the process and answer all your questions in a sympathetic and professional manner.

Expertise

I advise on all aspects of Wills, Trusts and Probate and Powers of Attorney documents.

Case Studies

I have drafted all types of Will documents from straightforward simple Wills to more complex matters, such as to protect capital from nursing home fees or to safeguard monies for children from previous relationships. Each document is drafted to cater for the client’s individual needs and requirements.

I advise on the administration of estates ranging from simple matters to ones which encounter an inheritance tax liability. I am an expert in all matters regarding probate- from registering the death to completing the distribution of the estate.

I have given seminars to professionals and members of the public regarding the impact of the Intestacy Rules and the importance of making a Will.

My French language skills have enabled me to provide clients with expert advice on matters which require French legal translation. I have assisted clients with translating French Powers of Attorney and other legal documents.

Personal

I am a highly skilled French speaker after living in Paris and attending L'Université de Paris Sud, Paris to read law. I enjoy literature, languages, cookery and walks in the Peak District.

Expertise

I am an experienced solicitor qualifying in 1985. I have worked in Luton throughout my career. I specialise in Wills drafting, Probate and administration of estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work and Personal Injury and other Trusts and particularly in so far as they affect elderly clients.
I am a member of Solicitors for the Elderly as well as STEP and the Private Client Section of the Law Society.
My aim is to provide a first rate service to my clients, which is also helpful and sympathetic.

Personal

I am married with three children. I enjoy swimming and horse riding.

Summary

• Attended Leicester University
• Training contract at Pictons
• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2005
• Joined Pictons in 2001

Expertise

• Wills Drafting
• Probate and Administration of Estates
• Enduring Powers of Attorney