Rachel Hyndman

I help wealthy individuals and families protect what matters most, providing clear, practical advice on Wills, trusts, probate, tax planning and later-life matters. I also lead Debenhams Ottaway’s Court of Protection team, supporting colleagues as we help vulnerable clients and their families make informed decisions with confidence.

My approach is warm, pragmatic and personal. I take time to understand each client’s circumstances, explain options in plain English and provide thoughtful advice that reflects their wishes, family dynamics and long-term goals.

I am particularly proud to be recognised by Chambers High Net Worth for my high-level technical knowledge, as well as for the personal, down-to-earth way I work with clients.

Expertise

I advise private and high-net-worth clients in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK, including individuals, families, executors, attorneys, deputies and trustees. My work often involves estates and family arrangements with significant assets, complex structures or sensitive personal circumstances.

My expertise includes:

• preparing and reviewing Wills, including for clients whose circumstances, family arrangements or asset base have changed
• drafting lifetime trusts, including interest in possession trusts, discretionary trusts and declarations of trust
• advising on elderly client matters, nursing home fees, enduring powers of attorney, lasting powers of attorney, deputyships, deferred payment schemes and disability facilities agreements
• supporting executors with their responsibilities and guiding families through complex probate and estate administration
• drafting deeds of variation and working with our trusts team where deputies and attorneys need specialist trustee advice.

I joined Debenhams Ottaway in 2006 as a trainee solicitor and have been with the firm ever since, becoming a partner in 2020. Before qualifying as a solicitor, I studied law at the College of Law after completing an MA in English Literature with Honours at the University of Dundee.

In Touch

I keep closely connected with developments in private wealth through my professional memberships, including the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Private Client Section of the Law Society.

I am also active in the St Albans community, including through the St Albans Chamber of Commerce and local networking groups.

I regularly share insights through seminars and blogs, helping clients and their other professional advisers stay informed about Wills, tax planning, elderly client matters and wider wealth management issues.