Expertise
Biography
Paul is an Associate solicitor in the Wills Trusts and Tax team.
Paul provides comprehensive tax planning to individuals who require specialist advice for ensuring that their personal affairs are in order during their lifetime and on their death. In conjunction, Paul drafts bespoke Wills and Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and, where necessary, Advance Directives to achieve his clients’ objectives which might include asset protection, inheritance tax (IHT) mitigation and safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries.
Paul assists Executors and Administrators with the procedural aspects required to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to a deceased’s estate from the District Probate Registry, including dealing with IHT400 Returns, identifying and claiming appropriate IHT reliefs & exemptions and facilitating the payment of any IHT to HMRC.
Paul advises Personal Representatives and Trustees on how to administer Estates and different classifications of Trusts (including those with nuanced or cross-border elements) in a manner that is appropriate, and constructive and tax-efficient including their reporting and filing obligations to HMRC and the Trust Registration Service.
Paul deals with the Office of Public Guardian (OPG) and the Court of Protection (CoP) where there are issues concerning mentally incapable individuals . Paul is experienced in dealing with a wide range of applications to the OPG and CoP aswell as advising on more sensitive issues and procedural steps that require specialist input such as the removal of incapacitated trustees, authorising statutory dispositions and dealing with investigations into a Deputy or Attorney’s conduct. Recent work highlights before the CoP include a successful Personal Welfare Deputyship and a significant Statutory Gift (£250,000) by an Attorney.
Paul is a fully qualified member of the Society for Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP), with STEP Diplomas in both the Administration of Trusts & Estates and Advanced Will Preparation, and Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), demonstrating his specialist knowledge.