What is a Will?

A Will is simply a document which sets out what you want to happen to your property after your death.

If you die without making a Will your possessions may be split in ways that you would not intend and the people you would like to benefit may not do so.  The government has rules to decide how assets will be divided on death if someone dies without making a Will.

A Will is a vastly important document as part of an estate planning strategy.  Even clients with modest means can make a big difference by having a properly drawn Will which takes account of their family circumstances and may save their heirs tens of thousands of pounds.

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Creating a Will

It is also worth ensuring that your Wills are reviewed regularly to ensure that these reflect your wishes in changing circumstances.

To avoid heartache for the people closest to you at what will certainly be a distressing time for them it is always worth considering creating a Will.

We are able to discuss the details of any new Will with you so please feel free to contact us.

Our experts in this area are Trevor Price, Charlotte Birtles, Matthew Rogers, Kendra Winter, Lauren Addison and Millie Coates. They can be contacted by at law@arnisonheelis.co.uk or on 01768 862 007.

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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.