Planning for the Future

Planning a secure future for yourself and your family or your business is one of the most important steps you will ever take.

At Arnison Heelis we recognise that your individual situation is unique and therefore if estate planning is to be valuable it must be founded on a comprehensive overview of your personal circumstances.

We provide face to face advice and specialise in meeting the needs and concerns of people like you who have worked hard to build up their assets.

Some common questions:

  • If I die first, how can I look after my spouse but still ensure my children will benefit?
  • How can I provide for a disabled child but not affect their benefits?
  • How can I provide effectively for a child with dependency/financial problems?
  • How can I protect my assets against my son/daughter-in-law?
  • How can I reduce inheritance tax payable on my death?
  • How can I assure the continuation of the family business after my death?

Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax planning in particular can be extremely beneficial.  Inheritance tax is paid on the value of assets which are passing on death.  It is currently charged at 40% above the inheritance tax threshold and affects many UK families, even those with modest wealth.  This is mainly due to the rise in property values over the last few years and it is estimated that millions of UK home owners may now fall within the clutches of this tax.  Therefore, proper inheritance tax planning could save your family thousands of pounds.

There are a number of steps you can take to mitigate or reduce your potential inheritance tax liability.  Our experienced private client team can review your circumstances with you and advise you on the most appropriate steps for you.  We can help you put in place an effective Will that specifically meets your requirements as well as setting up any arrangements that may be advisable to protect your assets and to mitigate any potential inheritance tax liability.

Our experts in this area are Trevor Price, Charlotte Birtles, Matthew Rogers, Kendra Winter, Lauren Addison and Millie Coates who can be contacted at 01768 862007 or at law@arnisonheelis.co.uk.

Our Team of Experts

Trevor Price

Director
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Trevor Price

Director

Trevor obtained a first class honours degree in history before qualifying as a solicitor in 1987.  He has been at Arnison & Co since 1985 working as a private client lawyer, where he has helped thousands of families and individuals.  His particular interest is in elderly client issues and asset protection and dealing with the more complex probate disputes.

He used to be an avid rock climber before family life intervened but retains a passion for the Lake District.

Trevor is a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly and the Association of Contentious Trusts & Probate Specialists.

Trevor holds the SFE Older Client Care in Practice Award.  He has a clear understanding of the needs of older and vulnerable clients and their families and of the additional considerations that need to be made in dealing with them.

Areas of experience:

  • elderly client issues
  • estate and trust administration
  • wills
  • Court of Protection applications
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney

Charlotte Birtles

Director
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Charlotte Birtles

Director

Charlotte was born and raised in the Eden Valley. She obtained a BA (Hons) in Economic and Social History from the University of Hull in June 1998, followed by completing the Common Professional Exam in June 2000, the Legal Practice course in June 2001 and qualifying as a solicitor in November 2003.

Returning to the local area, she joined Heelis Solicitors in 2005, becoming a director in the firm in 2007. Following the merger with Arnison and Co Solicitors, Charlotte now runs the office in Appleby specialising in conveyancing, the preparation of wills and powers of attorney and the administration of estates. Over the course of her career, she has helped thousands of families and individuals.

Charlotte enjoys music, whether it be singing in a local group, attending concerts or playing for her own pleasure. She also loves spending time with her family and travelling abroad when possible.

Matthew Rogers

Director
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Matthew Rogers

Director

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Matthew is the Head of Private Client and supervises this department.  Matthew deals with all aspects of private client work, including wills, succession planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and advice in connection with trusts, estates and property matters. He has a particular interest in agricultural estates and advising farmers and rural business owners on private client matters.

He has attained the STEP Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates, the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation and the STEP Worldwide Excellence Award, December 2017

Kendra Winter

Solicitor
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Kendra Winter

Solicitor

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Born and brought up in Cumbria, Kendra was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith before graduating with a LLB (Hons) Law Degree from the University of Leicester.  She obtained a distinction on the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Manchester.  Kendra qualified as a solicitor in September 2013 and joined Arnison Heelis in February 2025.

Kendra specialises in private client law and provides advice in relation to wills, estates, trusts, powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Kendra is a full member of STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners).  She received a STEP Worldwide Excellence Award in 2018 after gaining the highest mark in the country in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation exam. Kendra has also passed the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients with a distinction.  Kendra is a Full Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) and is a Dementia Friend.

Outside of work, Kendra enjoys walking in the Lake District and playing golf.

Lauren Addison

Solicitor
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Lauren Addison

Solicitor

Affiliate Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Lauren joined Arnison Heelis in September 2019 where she completed her two-year training to qualify as a solicitor in our Private Client department in September 2021.

Lauren specialises in administration of Estates, preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Applications with the Court of Protection.

Lauren is a member of STEP and has gained her Certificate in Trusts and Estates and her Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation. Lauren is also a trained Dementia Friend.

Lauren was born and raised in the Eden Valley, attending Appleby Grammar School where she was appointed as head girl in the sixth form. In her spare time Lauren likes to travel and see new places, but always loves a nice walk in the lake district fells.

Email: law@arnisonheelis.co.uk

Millie Coates

Solicitor
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Millie Coates

Solicitor

Having attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, Millie later went on to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class Honours Degree in Masters of Law in 2021, and commenced her training contract with Arnison Heelis in September of 2021.

Following the completion of her training contract, Millie qualified as a solicitor in September of 2023 and has now taken her seat in the Private Client department, where she specialises in writing Wills, preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates.

Millie is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and was awarded a Distinction in STEP’s Certificate in Trusts and Estates in 2024.

Outside of work, Millie is an active member of Penrith Netball Club and is currently vice-captain for her team competing in the Carlisle Netball League. In addition, Millie manages Penrith Futures, a networking group for young professionals in the local area.