Derek advises on all aspects of private client law including inheritance tax planning, the preparation of wills in England and Wales and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts, to ensure effective succession.
His practice also spans contentious private client work,giving him a practical understanding of how careful planning can reduce risk and, where disputes arise, how they are best resolved. Withover 18 years’ experience, Derek has developed expertise in legacy planning, including wills, trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, inheritance tax strategies and applications to the Court of Protection.
Derek regularly handles complex probate and estate administration matters, including estates involving business and agricultural property relief and cross-border issues. His expertise extends to advising on contentious matters arising from these, bringing a comprehensive understanding of both non-contentious and contentious legacy issues.
Derek takes pride in crafting tailored solutions that reflect each client's unique individual needs. He finds fulfilment in simplifying complex issues, providing clarity and reassurance to clients during significant moments in their lives. He values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, using his technical expertise and empathetic approach to help clients navigate life’s pivotal decisions with confidence and care.
Expertise
- Inheritance tax planning
- Disputed wills, including issues around testamentary capacity, knowledge and approval, undue influence, fraudulent calumny, and interpretation.
- Trusts, creation, administration and registration
- Disputed estates, including disputes between executors, trustees and beneficiaries
- Wills (including Dubai International Finance Centre)
- Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Challenging attorney and deputy appointments and actions
- Administration of estates (including DIFC)
- Negligence claims
- Deputyship applications
- Promissory and proprietary estoppel claims
- Applications to the Court of Protection for statutory wills and lifetime gifts
- Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) disputes
