The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, otherwise known as STEP, is a professional body for those advising families in Private client matters. Full STEP members (TEP’s) are considered leading experts in their field of private client. TEP’s are considered specialists and this means that their clients can have confidence and peace of mind that their affairs are being dealt with by someone who has the appropriate level of knowledge and experience.

Our Head of the Private Client Department, Francesca Breakspear has now completed all the Exams required and is a qualified member of STEP.

Francesca joined the firm in January 2016 as the Head of the Wills and Probate (‘Private Client’) Team. Francesca is a specialist in a range of Private Client matters including all types of Wills, from simple Mirror Wills to Wills that cater for more complex inheritance tax planning such as Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts, Discretionary Trusts and Interest in Possession Trusts Wills. She deals with all Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection and Trust matters.

She has conduct of all types of Probate matters both taxable and non-taxable estates. Duties include; valuing the estate, ascertaining the assets and liabilities, completing the appropriate Inheritance Tax Forms, drafting Oaths of Executors/Administrators, Forms of Renunciation and Deeds of Retirement of Trustees if appropriate, preparing Estate Accounts, distributing legacies, tracing beneficiaries if needed and finalising the estates.

Francesca ensures that all her clients receive sound legal advice but also that their individual needs are met, in a caring and compassionate manner so to put their minds at rest as it is important that all clients feel comfortable when discussing their matter.

Typical feedback from clients “Francesca very approachable and not at all ‘stuffy;. Everything was explained to us and there was humour mixed in with the facts. An easy and informal atmosphere. Great!”