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Wills and estate planning

INTRODUCTION

Estate planning is crucial as it allows people to ensure that their loved ones are provided for according to their wishes after death.

Without a valid will, the law of intestacy will determine who inherits assets, which may not align with the deceased’s intentions, especially if they were cohabiting, have children or possess assets in multiple countries. The law does not provide for friends or charities and is unlikely to offer the most tax-effective option.

We provide a personalised level of service and clients benefit from our extensive experience in advising high net worth families and individuals. We specialise in managing estates that include image rights, royalties and other complex assets and income streams. No matter how intricate an estate may be, we provide practical and clear advice on all aspects of estate and succession planning.

During times of bereavement, our lawyers can be relied upon to guide clients with compassion, sensitivity and discretion. We are also able to act in an administrative capacity for trustees and executors, and can offer advice to beneficiaries on mitigating inheritance tax through past death variations of wills.

Since our establishment in the 1950s, we have been dedicated to assisting clients in this area. It is a matter of public record that we have acted in relation to the following high profile estates: Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Sir Anthony and Lady Quayle, Sir Dirk Bogarde, Michael Powell, Sir Stanley Baker, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Dorothy Sayers, Dame Agatha Christie, Graham Greene and Dylan Thomas.

We advise on:

Our people

Get in touch

Partner

Chris Moorcroft

Private client
Partner

Zoë Camp

Private client
Partner

Alexa Collis

Private client
Managing Associate

Alasdair Wilson

Private client
Senior Associate

May Delaney

Private client
Senior Probate Manager

Andrew Reay

Private client

Testimonials

What people say

Harbottle & Lewis have been a great firm to work with. The breadth of the sectors they cover is incredibly helpful as we work across charity, private client, and corporate. Therefore, Harbottle go the extra mile to engage internal expertise to provide their high-level service. They are responsive, clear and easy to work with.”

The Legal 500

I was blown away by the experience, knowledge and attitude of all the Harbottle lawyers we spoke to, who were all incredibly wise and helpful. Meetings with them were clear, upbeat and encouraging.”

Chambers HNW

A key strength is their ability to face difficult tax and trust matters head on and in a constructive manner. They do not sidestep difficulties.”

The Legal 500

They have particular strengths in US/UK cross border work and in work for Middle Eastern clients. They also have a particular niche in handling difficult, knotty issues (which they tackle head on) which are at a pre-dispute stage and in dispute solutions’.”

The Legal 500

The team is very thorough and knowledgeable, on a par with the best.”

The Legal 500

Harbottle & Lewis leads the way in the private wealth space in London; they have the depth and strength to provide commercially relevant and detailed advice.”

The Legal 500

The firm has a cohesive team, able to advise on complex matters that span multiple areas of law. There is always a colleague available to discuss time-sensitive matters: my calls never go unanswered.”

Chambers HNW

The team dealt with the extremely tricky issues in a knowledgeable, constructive and commercial manner. The turnaround times have also been very good, especially when considering the complexities.”

Chambers HNW

Harbottle & Lewis are very good at translating complex tax matters and structuring advice into simple language for clients to understand. They can turn work around quickly and are very responsive to any questions asked.”

Chambers HNW