Trustees are those persons entrusted with the administration of Trusts contained either in Wills or in other Trust structures.

Our firm is most commonly appointed to act as:

• Executor of a Will
• Trustee of a Discretionary Trust or Life Interest Trust created with a Will
• Attorney for persons lacking mental capacity

When would I consider appointing a professional executor in my Will?

Where the Will is linked to complicated situations, or there are Trusts to be administered, it is often advisable to appoint someone independent and someone who understands the legal procedure for Wills and Trusts. Complex situations can include:

• Where the primary beneficiary is vulnerable and where the burden of executorship is too great to place on them
• Where a family member is specifically excluded from benefiting, or “normal” beneficiaries are not receiving what would be usually expected. For example, if a spouse or child is excluded specifically
• Where there is a wish to protect the Estate passing to children, so that it is protected from potential divorce or other claims against them
• Leaving the Estate to charities (the requirements for administering Estates for charities are strict, with various rules and regulations which require compliance)
• Where it is simply a burden on others to undertake the role when they are receiving no benefit themselves under the Will

Why would I need a professional trustee for a Discretionary or Life Interest Trust?

Primarily, the documentation associated with Discretionary Trusts or Life Interest Trusts is complex technically and such documentation is best prepared by a lawyer.

Furthermore, it is not usually advisable for beneficiaries to also be trustees of a Discretionary Trust as there is a potential conflict of interest.

Given that there are legal tasks involved in the process, it makes sense to have a professional solicitor Trustee appointed.

Understanding the Trusts correctly and acting on them in accordance with how they were set up is absolutely essential. You need someone independent who has an understanding of the workings of the Trusts and the reasons behind them.

Why choose us as executor or trustee?

Experience and focus

We have experience of acting as a solicitor-trustee in many different circumstances and for many families.

Focussing on what is best for the administration of the Trust or Estate that we act for, we act efficiently to progress Estates and Trust administration.

Additionally, we recognise it is essential to act with all due care and sensitivity and to ensure that matters are conducted fairly.

We will set out a plan of action, and be happy to clarify and explain in person the workings of Trusts to all persons affected or interested in the Estate or the Trust.

Expertise

We have expertise in conducting many different Estates and Trusts over a number of years. Advising requires adopting an even-handed approach and acting with common sense principles.

Trusts are relatively complex legal vehicles to the layperson, so it is vital for clients to have an expert who can not only draft and oversee the administration of such structures but who can also explain them clearly to all interested parties.

Insurance and regulation

Our lawyers are fully insured and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). They must act in accordance with all SRA codes of conduct and client care principles. We additionally have members of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Troubleshooting or explaining existing Trusts or associated issues

Our firm believes in advising clients correctly and fully regarding the operation of Trusts included with Wills or with lifetime gifts.

Many people have turned to us with Discretionary Trusts contained in their own Wills, or those of their parents, requesting an explanation of how the Trusts operate, or to understand the benefits and reasons why they were created.

We can sit down with you and explain your existing Trusts and troubleshoot any existing problems with Trusts.

Click here to view our hourly rates.

Our Private Client team provides trusted legal advice and support on personal estate planning, wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney, and broader private wealth matters. We help clients organise and protect what matters most — your family, your legacy and your peace of mind.

Leading the team is Usman Khan LLB Hons, Solicitor, Head of Private Client, who specialises in wills, estate and inheritance tax planning, trust structures, lasting powers of attorney, and probate and estate administration. Usman brings extensive experience and a clear, supportive style to highly personal legal matters.

Johanna Knott BA SFE TEP, Senior Associate Solicitor – a highly experienced solicitor in private client work, including complex estate planning, trust advisory, Court of Protection matters and administration of estates. Her STEP accreditation reflects her expertise in managing sensitive and high-value private affairs.

Lucy Pankhurst LLB Hons, Associate Solicitor – provides a personable and informed approach to wills, trusts, probate and powers of attorney, often meeting clients in locations that suit their needs.

Jeremy Wise FCILEx, Legal Executive & Director – specialises in Wills and Estate Planning; Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for both Property & Financial and Health & Welfare, and all aspects of Probate and estate administration, including the administration process, advising on both taxable and non-taxable estates, completing and submitting inheritance tax accounts, preparing estate accounts and obtaining the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration on intestacy.

This team offers a compassionate and knowledgeable service for individuals and families looking to plan for the future, administer estates, or put robust legal protections in place.