Individual
Probate and Trusts Advice
As part of our Private Client work, we advise and undertake Trust matters, ranging from straightforward property and co-ownership issues to Trusts and charitable organisations. We often act as Trustees and tax advisers to numerous Lifetime and Will Trusts and are well placed to advise and act on the many aspects of legislation and practice governing their operation.
While successive changes in government have reduced the appeal of some Trusts from a tax perspective, these powerful tools allow our clients to be certain of what happens to their assets, both during their lifetime and after death.
Dean Wilson excels in Individual Probate and Trusts services, providing personalised legal support for clients navigating estate planning and administration. Our professional team offer compassionate assistance during the probate process, ensuring a smooth settlement of assets.
With a focus on individualised attention, we guide clients through creating and managing trusts, offering tailored solutions to preserve and transfer wealth. Our team is dedicated to delivering reliable and empathetic legal services, helping individuals secure their legacies and plan for the future.
Julian Potter
Senior Associate Solicitor, Private Client
Areas of Specialism
Julian has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor dealing with all aspects of Private Client work including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Administration of Estates and Estate Planning.
Julian can advise on a variety of Wills to suit differing circumstances including advising on various types of trusts for efficient tax planning and asset protection.
Julian deals with a variety of estates of all values including intestacies and estates with business interests and can provide a service tailored to your needs whether it be obtaining the Grant of Probate or dealing with the administration of the entirety of the estate.
Julian can advise on Estate Planning matters including Inheritance Tax saving, the Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Band, the Residence Nil Rate Band and preservation of the same as well as providing Capital Gains Tax advice.
Julian always aims to forge a close relationship with his clients in trying to provide the best service and advice for them.
Julian can be contacted by email: JP@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249219.
Rebecca Griffiths
Solicitor, Private Client
Areas of Specialism
Rebecca qualified into the Private Client team in 2019 after completing her training contract with Dean Wilson LLP. Rebecca studied the LPC at BPP Holborn London after studying Law LLB at the University of Nottingham. Rebecca is working towards full membership with the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has further qualifications in Administration of Estates, Administration of Trusts and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.
Rebecca has experience in dealing with:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Probate
- Tax
Rebecca can provide advice on the best type of Wills taking account of a client’s personal circumstances, tax position and inheritance planning.
Rebecca has a broad range of experience in probate cases including high value probates, intestacies, Ad Colligenda Bona (limited grants usually required for the quick sale of property), and fractious families.
Qualifications and Memberships
- Solicitor
- LLB
- Affiliate of STEP
Rebecca can be contacted by email: RCG@denawilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249280.
Ashleigh Sagar
Chartered Legal Executive, Private Client
Areas of Specialism
Ashleigh has worked at Dean Wilson LLP for 8 years and specialises in a range of Private Client matters.
Having completed her CILEX qualification in 2021, Ashleigh has grown within the department and has experience in dealing with all aspects of Private Client work including Estate Administration, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Ashleigh always supports her clients with sensitivity and expertise.
Qualifications
Chartered Legal Executive (FCilex) 2021.
Ashleigh can be contacted by email: AHS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: (0) 1273 249275.
Samantha Brace
Trainee Solicitor
Samantha is currently undertaking her second seat as a Trainee Solicitor in the Private Client Department where she is undertaking a range of work including Wills, Probates and Trust work under the supervision of Julian Potter.
Samantha's first seat was in our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team, assisting Alex Brown, head of the Personal Injury department with claims in relation to severe and life changing injuries resulting in:
- Brain Injury
- Birth Injury
- Severe Orthopaedic Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injury
Samantha previously worked as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team running her own possession claims assisting landlords recover their residential property along with any rent arrears owed and a successful Judgment for their legal costs.
Samantha worked closely with a well-known local managing agents to help clients achieve the best possible outcome. She also assisted senior members in the team with more general litigation matters.
Qualifications
- 1st Class LLB Law (Hons)
- LPC LLM with Distinction in Professional Legal Practice
Samantha can be contacted by email: slb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249298.
Probate and Trusts
Our Probate and Trust solicitors in Brighton can help you with
We have considerable experience in areas relating to Trusts for individuals, families and beneficiaries. We can administer Trusts and draw up accounts and tax returns and deal with distributions as well as the winding up of Trusts. We are also there in those haunting days after a loved one has died, to assist with matters relating to Probate including registering the death, organising the funeral, obtaining the Grant of Probate and dealing with the Estate Accounts and the distribution of the Estate according to the deceased’s wishes.
We can advise on a wide range of issues including, claims by relatives, cohabitees and dependants for provision from the Estate; challenging the validity of a Will; interpretation of Trust documentation and disputes involving personal representatives, beneficiaries and creditors. These disputes can be emotionally taxing and we provide a sympathetic and realistic approach designed to achieve a successful outcome.
Most people are concerned to maximise their Estate for their beneficiaries. There are a number of ways to achieve this and much will depend on your own circumstances. We are however able to give concise and proactive advice to assist you in planning your Estate and are happy to sit down with you to talk through your individual circumstances and guide you on the way forward.
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