Claire Sharp

I am a partner in Debenhams Ottaway’s highly regarded Wills, trusts and probate team, with significant experience advising individuals and families on a wide range of private wealth matters.

My work covers trusts, Wills, probate, tax planning and estate administration. As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), I bring specialist knowledge and a practical, reassuring approach to complex trusts and tax planning matters.

I act for a wide range of clients, including high net worth individuals and families with substantial business assets, property interests and personal wealth. I take time to understand what matters most to each client, helping them protect and preserve their assets for future generations. I am recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, which reflects my experience and reputation as a trusted adviser in this specialist area.

Expertise

I work closely with clients from the local area and beyond, supporting people and families at all stages of life and across all levels of wealth.

I have detailed experience in trusts and estates, advising on everything from straightforward estate administration to complex estates involving overseas assets, business property or agricultural property. I regularly advise on taxable estates and negotiations with HM Revenue and Customs, and also support clients where estates may become contested.

Trust work is a particular focus for me. I advise on drafting, establishing and managing a broad range of lifetime trusts and Will trusts, always considering the wider tax planning position and the family’s long-term objectives. I am also appointed as a trustee on many of the trusts I manage, giving clients continuity and confidence that their affairs are in safe hands.

I also advise on lasting powers of attorney and work closely with elderly clients and their families to help them plan ahead and manage their affairs with care and sensitivity. My experience also includes deputyship applications and other Court of Protection matters.

I studied law as a mature student and went on to achieve a distinction in my LPC. I joined Turner & Debenhams, now Debenhams Ottaway, in 2003 as a trainee lawyer, qualified with the firm and became a partner in 2011.

In Touch

I am a member of the Private Client Section of The Law Society and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).