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‘..in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes’ (Benjamin Franklin).
It is accepted that tax is payable whether it be inheritance tax, income tax, capital gains tax etc. However, with careful planning it is sometimes possible to mitigate the payment of tax.
We deal with the preparation of income tax returns for both individuals and trusts but also provide advice on tax planning, considering carefully an individual’s affairs to ensure that wealth is protected for future generations. This can often involve the establishment of trusts and more complex structures or can simply be a case of guiding clients through the impact of the various taxes during their lifetimes explaining the availability of reliefs and how best to use them.
Laceys have broad experience of dealing with lifetime planning, advising on the setting up of trusts, their restructuring if required and their differing tax treatment. Planning is also considered when advising on Wills to ensure that they are drafted in the most tax efficient manner whilst also meeting the practical needs of the client.
We are familiar with the majority of tax planning schemes that have been offered and can advise on their efficacy in light of current legislation and can assist with restructuring of such schemes if possible and when required.
Laceys have a large Property Department and are often asked to advise on the capital gains tax implications of selling or gifting a property.
We aim to take the mystery out of tax and try to provide practical and easy to understand advice.
Laceys are recognised in the Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms in the UK for their expertise in Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate.
Direct dial: 01202 377906
Helen is a Tax Accountant who specialises in income tax and capital gains tax matters for individuals and trusts, working with the individual as well as their Attorneys, Deputies and Executors as well as the trustees and beneficiaries of settlements and trusts.
Helen is known for her eye for detail and clients appreciate the fact that she keeps them informed of progress and outstanding information.
Outside the office, Helen is a Trustee of the Wessex Young Musicians Trust.
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Direct dial: 01202 377900
Laura qualified as a Solicitor in 2016, and is a Senior Associate in the Private Client team. She advises on a broad range of matters, including Wills, inheritance tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, administration of estates, intestacies, advance decisions (living wills), lifetime gifting, declarations of trust, deliberate deprivation of assets, care fees planning and management of financial affairs.
Laura also provides advice in connection with Court of Protection applications for deputyships, advice on statutory wills, preparation of annual reports and advice on attorney or deputy gifting.
Laura is a full member of STEP and Solicitors for the Elderly.
Laura is passionate about helping people to organise their affairs and plan for the future. She is calm, friendly and approachable.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She likes to travel and enjoys baking.
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Direct dial: 01202 377963
Alison is head of our Private Client team specialising primarily in Estate Administration and Powers of Attorney.
She has undertaken private client work for over 25 years in the local area, since qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1998. Prior to moving to Laceys in 2023, she headed up a very successful dedicated Probate team within a large corporate environment dealing with a wide range of estates and intestacies from the very straightforward to the more complex and high net worth estates.
Alison adopts a sympathetic and patient approach to a family’s needs at what can be a very emotional time. She prides herself on being efficient and professional but friendly and approachable at the some time.
Outside of the office Alison is married with a teenage daughter and enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends and foreign travel.
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Direct dial: 01202 377889
Having completed a Law and Human Rights Degree (LLB) at the University of Essex in 2021, Tino joined Laceys in 2022. Tino qualified as a CILEX paralegal in 2023 and is training to qualify as a Legal Executive specialising in the Private Client area.
Tino provides individuals and families with legal advice on a variety of matters, including making or amending a Will, helping them with investments, administering estates, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Outside of work Tino loves to travel, spend time with her very large family and campaigning for different causes through her previous beauty pageant experiences.
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Direct dial: 01202 377808
“Alix gave me very good advice about a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare decisions which I did not know about and information on Capital Gains Tax, some aspects which were new to me.”
“Alix exceeded my expectations. I found her extremely knowledgeable. I would certainly recommend her to others, without hesitation.”
“Alix provided a very efficient professional experience whilst we were updating our Wills. Costs were provided up-front and full explanations were given during our meetings on matters that required consideration. Many thanks.”
“Very good and extremely helpful.”
Alix is an Associate in the Laceys Private Client Department and advises clients in relation to drafting their wills, power of attorneys and administering estates.
Outside of work she enjoys spending her free time with friends and family and going to exercise classes, and when more time permits, loves to travel!
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Direct dial: 01202 377853
“We have had the pleasure of Kate’s sensitive and unwavering professional support for a number of years. She has always been able to combine her deep expertise, with practical context and a tone of voice that gently escorts you through, often difficult decisions. We could not recommend Kate highly enough, both professionally and personally.”
“Kate was extremely knowledgeable, straightforward to deal with as well as sympathetic during what was a difficult time. I felt in good hands!”
“We were treated with respect and felt our wishes were taken in consideration. The patience shown in helping us understand the implications of decisions was outstanding.”
“Very efficient and welcoming. Understood my access requirements and my unique concerns thoroughly.”
“Mrs Mansfield has been exemplary in every respect. She is an excellent listener and has the ability to explain complex issues patiently and emphatically. We are fortunate in having her as our legal adviser.”
“Professional, always available for a phone enquiry. Always informed me as thing's progressed. Excellent company with very pleasant and helpful front of house. My sincere thanks.”
“Kate took the trouble to understand the particularities affecting my Will and found sensible ways of dealing with them.”
Kate is a Partner in our Private Client Team and has 25 years’ experience in private client work, specialising in wills, tax planning and estate administration. Kate has worked in this area since she qualified and has assisted thousands of families and individuals.
Kate qualified as a solicitor in 1995 after obtaining a 2.1 in Law from the University of Kent. She completed her training contract with Laceys and became a partner in 2002.
Kate is a full member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) and sat on the STEP committee for 6 years. She has also taught on the Legal Executives course at Bournemouth & Poole College.
Kate enjoys the personal side of the work and the satisfaction of assisting the bereaved and families with complex affairs, whether it be complex financial aspects or those where a diplomatic hand is required. She prides herself on being able to explain the legal position in plain English.
Out of the office she enjoys keeping fit. She enjoys going to the gym and getting out into the Dorset countryside on her road bike. Cooking, particularly baking, is also a passion.
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Direct dial: 01202 377820
“Mrs Pearce helped me whilst going through my grief and explained everything in simple language and with sympathy and understanding.”
“Making a Will was not on the top of my "to do" list as I found the thought of it fairly daunting. But when I eventually contacted Laceys Solicitors the whole process from beginning to end was so easy. I felt totally supported by Deborah Pearce and was grateful for her professionalism, kindness and efficiency. The whole atmosphere at Laceys is very caring, friendly and comfortable. I highly recommend them.”
“Mrs Pearce was always helpful, pleasant to deal with and professional.”
Deborah is a Chartered Legal Executive who has worked in the Private Client department at Laceys for over 18 years.
Deborahs journey to Laceys started in 1985 when she qualified as a FILEX. She then undertook her Associateship in Taunton and completed her Fellowship in Poole. Aside from a couple of years in Gibraltar, Deborah then gained valuable experience working for various local firms in their private client departments before joining Laceys in 2000.
She specialises in all areas of private client work, wills, powers of attorney, tax planning, Court of Protection, administration of estates, NHS Continuing Care, welfare benefits and all issues related to the elderly and infirm. She finds this area of law quite holistic – it is not just a matter of applying rules and regulations but organising a client’s affairs in such a way that they are made easier and clearer during what can be a very emotional and upsetting time. Her work requires a very good and patient listening ear, bedside manner and sometimes a sense of humour but still achieving the client’s objectives on time.
When time permits she enjoys reading, cooking and relaxing by the Christchurch River but only when the sun shines! Travelling is a great hobby but there is never enough time to visit all. She has four stepchildren, four grandchildren plus a nephew and niece who help keep her busy at home!
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