Theo Knibb

I’m a senior lawyer in our award winning Wills, trusts and probate team, where I help individuals and families plan for the future with confidence and clarity. My work covers the full range of private client matters, from preparing Wills to administering estates and trusts.

I take care to make the process straightforward and reassuring, explaining everything in plain language so clients feel informed and in control.

Expertise

I regularly assist clients who need to write their Will or update it when life circumstances change, whether that’s a new home, a growing family, or a shift in long-term plans. As part of this, I provide guidance on the latest inheritance tax rules so clients can structure their affairs in a tax efficient and practical way.

Since qualifying as a STEP practitioner, I have increasingly focused on trust work, including drafting new trusts, advising on their ongoing administration, and navigating the tax considerations that arise throughout their lifecycle.
My experience in estate administration ranges from smaller, simpler estates to large and more complex estates that require careful coordination and detailed technical work. I prepare a range of deeds and legal documents, support executors with their responsibilities, and help manage any tax issues that arise during the administration process. My aim is always to make what can be a difficult time feel more manageable, with clear steps and steady support.

I also prepare and register lasting powers of attorney, helping clients put important safeguards in place for the future. This is often an area people delay, so I work to make the process approachable and help clients understand the protection these documents provide for themselves and their families.

I joined Debenhams Ottaway in 2015 as a legal assistant in the residential conveyancing team, working primarily on house sales and purchases. I began my training contract with the firm in January 2018 and qualified into the Wills, trusts and probate team in July 2019, where I’ve been able to develop my interest in helping clients plan ahead with confidence. I was promoted to a senior lawyer in 2026.

I studied law at the University of Hertfordshire and completed the Legal Practice Course there shortly afterwards.

In Touch 

I am a Full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), providing clients with assurance of high technical expertise, ethical standards, and up-to-date knowledge.