Deborah specialises in advising agricultural clients in relation to Wills and trusts aimed at retaining and protecting assets for the benefit of future generations. She also advises trustees about the scope of their powers and in varying existing trusts where appropriate.
Deborah acts for a number of clients who lack the capacity to manage their financial affairs. She is one of only 60 Panel Deputies appointed by the Court of Protection to represent those people who lack the capacity to manage their financial affairs.
Deborah acts as an expert witness advising on the likely fees for a Deputy as part of claims for damages arising out of personal injuries. She has acted for local authorities and the NHS as well as claimants in relation to such claims.
Deborah has advised extensively in relation to providing for children with special needs in using lifetime trusts and Will trusts. She has spoken at a number of seminars on behalf of Mencap, Durham County Council and at a number of parent organised events. She has acted for Mencap in providing a precedent discretionary Will trust documents for use by other solicitors.
Deborah is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners.
Experience
Examples of experience include:
- Advising Trustees on future inheritance tax planning by varying life interest trusts in order to secure agricultural property relief
- Applications to Court to vary existing trusts
- Advising Newcastle City Council on likely costs of a professional Deputy in relation to damages arising out of a personal injury claim
- Advising on use of discretionary trusts to secure protection of assets for vulnerable beneficiaries
- Acting as Deputy for clients where disputes over Wills, the actions of previous Deputy and in managing client’s assets have arose.
"Outstanding."
Chambers High Net Worth 2021
"She has a good, round knowledge of private client work, particularly complicated succession planning and Court of Protection work."
Chambers and Partners 2020
