Private client

Many of our clients are based in the UK with overseas assets and/or families, or are internationally based with UK assets.

We act in new and complex areas of law, such as Private International Law, Matrimonial Property Regimes and Family Investment Companies. We advise on all aspects of UK taxation, with particular emphasis on inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning.

Our clients range between the significantly wealthy and those whose needs are not as complex, unless family circumstances give rise to complexities. We have acted for many families for more than one generation and are proud to be the trusted advisors to our broad client base. We also assist vulnerable clients and advise their families how to assist their loved ones when they lose capacity or are struggling to manage their financial affairs, or have been subject to financial abuse. We also do home/hospital and care home visits for vulnerable clients.

Our independent trust company, Russell-Cooke Trust Company (RCTC), ensures we are well-placed to offer executor and trustee services. We have a specialist trust administration and tax team with many years of experience

The breadth of our probate and estate administration expertise means we can handle everything from large, cross-border estates and complex disputes to the many administrative tasks that come with even the most simple estates.

Typical areas we help with include:

• collecting in assets and arranging valuations
• obtaining the Grant of Probate
• calculation and payment of inheritance tax
• calculation of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax
• correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs
• payment of debts and executor expenses distributing the estate to the beneficiaries disputes arising over who should benefit from an estate
• inheritance tax planning around the administration of estates, such as Deeds of Variation

We recognise that the legal issues arising from the death of a loved one can add to your burden at an emotionally distressing time. So our team is here to guide you through each stage of the process, giving you the reassurance that everything is being handled promptly and professionally as well as cost-effectively.

Whether you are a beneficiary or the executor of a will, you will have a dedicated solicitor and legal assistant working with you throughout, ensuring you can always speak with someone who has a clear understanding of the estate and its requirements.