Question 1

How do you keep your fees clear?

Accepted Answer

I aim to be clear about costs from the start. Depending on the work, I may agree a fixed fee for a defined task or charge an hourly rate for ongoing matters. I’ll explain the likely cost before you instruct me, so you know what to expect.

Question 2

Preliminary Consultation

Accepted Answer

A preliminary consultation is scheduled to assess the merits and suitability of your case. This consultation allows for an initial exchange of information and assists in determining the most appropriate course of action.

Question 3

How do I book a consultation, and can it be done remotely?

Accepted Answer

You can book a consultation directly, and I can usually speak with you by phone or video call if that is more convenient. This is often the easiest way to start, especially if you are based outside London or overseas.

Question 4

Is there a free initial telephone consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer a free initial telephone consultation so you can explain your situation, ask initial questions, and see whether I’m the right fit for your matter. If you decide to instruct me, I’ll explain the next steps and fees clearly before any paid work begins.

Question 5

Do you need a deposit before starting work?

Accepted Answer

I ask for a deposit to formally engage me. In many matters, payment is needed before I start substantive work such as drafting or detailed advice. I’ll explain the terms clearly in advance, so you know what’s required before we begin.

Question 6

What are your fee arrangements?

Accepted Answer

I offer flexible fee arrangements tailored to the complexity and scope of your case. You can choose between fixed fees, ideal for specific tasks like document drafting or representation at hearings, and hourly rates, suitable for ongoing or evolving matters. Both options are designed to provide clarity and fairness.

Question 7

What is the process for reviewing and submitting documents?

Accepted Answer

For document reviews, a minimum charge applies. Please submit your documents in PDF or Word format to avoid extra administrative fees for conversion. Combining multiple documents into a single file is recommended for efficient processing.

Question 8

Billing and Payment Terms

Accepted Answer

Invoices are issued at regular intervals, with payment terms clearly stipulated to ensure timely settlement. For court, mediation, and arbitration hearings, full payment is required prior to the scheduled hearing date. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in the adjournment of representation.

Question 9

Disbursements and Additional Costs

Accepted Answer

Disbursements such as travel, accommodation, and third-party fees (e.g. expert reports or court filing fees) are payable by the client. Where applicable, such expenses will be disclosed in advance and itemised within invoices.

Question 10

Can I use legal aid for your services?

Accepted Answer

I don’t offer services under legal aid. If you’re funding your matter privately, I can still talk you through the next steps, and you may wish to check whether legal expenses insurance could help.

Question 11

What happens after you instruct me?

Accepted Answer

Once I’m instructed, I’ll send you a client care letter setting out the scope of work, agreed fees, and key terms. I’ll also keep you updated as your matter progresses, and you can contact me if you have questions.

Question 12

What types of private wealth and estate matters do you handle?

Accepted Answer

I advise on trusts, wills, probate, inheritance tax, cross-border succession, digital assets, and related dispute prevention matters. My focus is on helping you protect family wealth, structure matters clearly, and reduce the risk of conflict later on.

Question 13

Can you build digital assets into my will or trust planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you include digital assets in your estate planning, including cryptoassets, online accounts, and other digital property. I’ll help you think through ownership, access, and succession so your wishes are easier for your executors or trustees to follow.

Question 14

Can you help me set up a trust in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you set up a trust in the UK, including deciding whether a trust is suitable, drafting the trust deed, and making sure the structure fits your wider estate and tax planning. I’ll keep the process clear so you understand how the trust will work.

Question 15

Can you advise on inheritance tax as part of your planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you assess your inheritance tax position and consider practical steps within your wider trusts, wills, and succession planning. The aim is to keep your arrangements efficient, workable, and clear for the people who may need to act on them.

Question 16

Can you help with trust administration after the trust is set up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can advise trustees and settlors on the ongoing administration of a trust, including trustee duties, document updates, distributions, and changes that may be needed over time. I also help make sure the trust continues to work in a way that is legally sound and consistent with the original planning.

Question 17

How do I know whether I need a trust, a will, or both?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want to achieve. I can help you look at your assets, family circumstances, tax position, and succession goals, then advise whether a will, a trust, or a combination of both is the most practical route. My aim is to keep the structure clear, effective, and easy to administer later.

Question 18

Do you draft and review wills as part of estate planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you draft a new will or review an existing one to make sure it reflects your wishes and fits with the rest of your estate planning. I also look at how your will works alongside any trusts, overseas assets, or inheritance tax considerations, so the overall plan stays clear and effective.

Question 19

Can you help me set up or review a trust before it is put in place?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you decide whether a trust is the right fit, then advise on the structure, drafting, and practical steps needed to set it up properly. If you already have a trust, I can also review it to make sure it still works for your family, assets, and wider planning goals.

Question 20

Can you help me plan so that my will or trust is less likely to lead to a dispute later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I focus on dispute prevention as much as dispute resolution. I can help you structure wills, trusts, and succession arrangements clearly, and take account of likely pressure points before they become a problem.

Question 21

What is a letter of wishes, and do I need one with my will or trust?

Accepted Answer

A letter of wishes is a separate document that helps explain your intentions in a more flexible way. I often recommend one where you want to guide trustees or executors on how you would like assets to be managed, especially in family or cross-border planning. It can help reduce uncertainty and support the main planning documents, without replacing them.

Question 22

Can you help update my will or estate plan after marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Life events often mean your will or wider estate plan should be reviewed. I can help you check whether your existing arrangements still reflect your wishes, your family position, and any tax or succession issues. If changes are needed, I can advise on the most practical way to update them.

Question 23

Do you work with clients based outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do. Many of my clients are based overseas or have international interests. I can often work with you remotely by phone, video call, and email, which makes it easier to get advice without travelling to London unless needed.

Question 24

How do you support overseas clients with UK probate or trust matters remotely?

Accepted Answer

I regularly work with clients based outside the UK. In many cases, I can handle the matter by phone, video call, and email, and I can also coordinate with local advisers where needed. This makes it easier to move things forward without unnecessary travel.

Question 25

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Accepted Answer

If you can, please bring any relevant documents such as wills, trust deeds, letters, court papers, asset schedules, family tree details, company records, or correspondence linked to the matter. If you do not have everything yet, that is fine. I can still help you identify the next steps.

Question 26

Do you handle estates that involve more than one country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I regularly advise on estates with assets, beneficiaries, or documents in different jurisdictions. I can help you work out which legal steps apply and aim for an outcome that is practical and enforceable.

Question 27

Can you help with probate if the estate includes assets in more than one country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I regularly assist with probate matters that involve overseas assets, beneficiaries, or documents. I can help you identify the legal steps needed in each jurisdiction and work towards an efficient, enforceable outcome.

Question 28

If I live overseas, can you help with succession planning for my UK assets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you understand how English succession and tax issues may affect your UK assets, and how they interact with the law in the country where you live. I’ll look at your ownership structure, will or trust planning, and tax position so you can plan in a practical and enforceable way.

Question 29

Can you advise on succession planning for family businesses and company shares?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help you look at how business interests fit into your wider succession plan, including ownership, control, inheritance tax, and how shares should pass on death. This is especially useful where you want to protect family continuity and avoid disruption later on.

Question 30

Do you provide notary services for overseas documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can assist with notarial work for cross-border matters, including witnessing signatures, certifying documents, and preparing papers for use abroad. If legalisation or an apostille is needed, I can guide you through the next steps.

Question 31

Can you provide notarial services for documents that will be used overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can notarise documents for international use and, where needed, help with apostilles and legalisation steps. I’ll explain what is required for the destination country so your documents are prepared correctly the first time.

Question 32

Can you notarise documents for use abroad and arrange apostilles or legalisation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can notarise documents for international use and, where needed, help arrange apostille or further legalisation so they are accepted in the destination country. I’ll let you know what the receiving authority is likely to require before we proceed.

Question 33

What documents do I need for a notarial appointment?

Accepted Answer

Usually, I’ll need the document to be notarised, proof of identity, and proof of address. Depending on the destination country and the type of document, I may also need supporting papers or background information. If you send me the details in advance, I can tell you exactly what to bring.

Question 34

Can you work with my accountant, tax adviser, or family office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I often work alongside other trusted advisers so that the legal, tax, and practical sides of a matter stay aligned. This can be especially helpful for high net worth and international clients with trusts, estates, or cross-border succession issues. I’m happy to coordinate where appropriate and keep the process efficient.

Question 35

Do you handle contentious probate or estate disputes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I advise on estate and succession disputes, including disagreements over wills, executors, trustees, and the administration of estates. Where possible, I focus on early resolution and settlement. If needed, I can also support a more formal dispute resolution strategy to protect your position and move the matter forward efficiently.

Question 36

How do you keep my family and financial information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is a core part of how I work. I handle sensitive matters discreetly and keep client information secure. If your matter involves private wealth, family issues, or cross-border assets, I take care to communicate clearly and only with the people who need to be involved.

Question 37

Can you advise trustees and executors on their legal duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I regularly advise trustees and executors on their duties, including how to act properly, keep records, communicate with beneficiaries, and avoid unnecessary disputes. If a problem has already started, I can also help you deal with it in a calm and practical way.

Question 38

Can you advise trustees and executors on their duties and reporting obligations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can help trustees and executors understand their legal duties, keep records in order, and deal with the practical steps that arise during administration. Where HMRC reporting or compliance issues are involved, I can also guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.

Question 39

What are a trustee’s or executor’s main duties?

Accepted Answer

In general, trustees and executors must act in the best interests of the estate or trust, keep proper records, follow the governing documents, and deal with distributions, tax, and reporting correctly. If you are unsure about your role, I can explain your responsibilities and help you avoid common mistakes.

Question 40

Can you help with trust registration and HMRC reporting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can advise trustees on whether a trust needs to be registered with HMRC, and I can help with ongoing reporting, record keeping, and practical compliance points. If the trust has cross-border features or tax issues, I can also coordinate the legal side with your tax adviser so everything stays aligned.

Question 41

Do you advise on AML, sanctions, and other financial crime risks in cross-border matters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can provide practical guidance on AML, sanctions, and related compliance issues where a matter has an international element. This is especially useful for clients dealing with cross-border assets, offshore structures, or sensitive family and wealth arrangements that need careful risk management.

Question 42

Do you help with AML, source-of-funds, and sanctions checks in cross-border matters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a matter involves overseas assets, trustees, beneficiaries, or counterparties, I can help assess the compliance risk and the documents needed for checks. I take a practical approach so the legal work can move forward without avoidable delay.

Question 43

How can you help with inheritance tax in a cross-border estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can advise on inheritance tax as part of your cross-border estate planning. I’ll look at your assets, your tax position, and your succession goals so you can plan more clearly and reduce avoidable tax exposure where possible.

Question 44

Can you advise on capital gains tax and income tax when structuring trusts or estates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can look at the legal structure and how it interacts with capital gains tax, income tax, and inheritance tax, so you have a clearer picture before you act. For more detailed tax analysis, I work alongside your accountant or tax adviser to make sure the planning is joined up and practical.

Question 45

Can you help prepare or review a deed of variation after death?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A deed of variation can sometimes be a useful way to redirect assets after someone has died, but it needs to be handled carefully. I can advise whether it is suitable, what it may achieve, and how it fits with the wider probate and tax position.

Question 46

Can you help if a beneficiary or trustee is disputing a trust?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I advise on trust disputes, including disagreements over trustee powers, distributions, accounts, and the way a trust is being administered. I aim to resolve matters early where possible, but I can also help you take a more formal route if the dispute needs it.

What it costs to instruct me

Consultations

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Notarial work

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Advisory work

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What is not included

How you will be billed