Ann Christian qualified as a Solicitor in 2001 and has specialised in Private Client work since then. She is based in our Ilkley office.
Assisting clients to plan for the future and protect their assets – particularly with a view to tax and care home fee planning – Ann also deals with estate administration and incapacity issues and drafts a wide range of wills. She also advises on the creation and operation of trusts, and drafts the necessary documents.
Ann headed the team which advised on a high-profile case regarding the inheritance tax surrounding the sale of successful lawyer Cyril Reddihough’s major art collection, which involved negotiating with HMRC on artwork of national importance.
Ann Christian joined LCF Law in 2007 and is experienced in handling estates with agricultural or business elements and where inheritance tax relief is negotiated.
Many clients come to her when they are experiencing an emotionally difficult time in their lives – and Ann takes away any concerns and worries with her expertise and personable approach, so that clients can concentrate on the important things.
She appreciates that approaching a solicitor may seem an intimidating step, and she is always happy to provide a fixed price for any work to be carried out before fees are incurred.
Ann is a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly, Ann also sits part-time as a member of the First Tier Tax Tribunal.
Matters with which Ann has been involved recently include:
- Acting for the estate of the deceased in which LCF Law was the sole executor of the estate. The deceased had been opaque with HMRC during her lifetime. Managing the conflicting views of the family, together with ensuring that inheritance tax was legitimately minimised as far as possible and HMRC satisfied.
- Acting as professional trustees for a family in relation to their various family trusts. The different trusts have been set up for different reasons at different times – for IHT planning, asset protection against remarriage, protection for a surviving (second) husband after the wife’s death, and to deal with the “black sheep” of the family. Ann works in conjunction with the financial adviser and accountant for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- Having administered the estate of the family matriarch, Ann assisted the next generation with IHT planning, including setting up a Family Investment Company to hold the son’s property portfolio for his own family.
- Advising the estate with a disposal of the deceased’s valuable art collection owned by this family trust. Ann negotiated with HMRC to minimise the tax due following the death of the trust beneficiary, and obtained conditional exemption for some items of national importance.
Ann’s clients appreciate her knowledge and approach:
“A huge thank you for all your help…it has been a pleasure working with you albeit on a sad subject.”
“We are both indebted to you for the excellent work you have done interpreting our wishes into wills, the wording of which we believe is clear and concise.”
Ann’s Info-Burst takes looks at why you should have a lasting power of attorney in place.