Job Title
Associate Solicitor
Direct Number
Email Address
Fax
01903 229172
Department/s
Wills, Trusts and Probate Services
Katie Foan
Overview
I am an Associate Solicitor and I head up the Estate Administration Team. I started as a Paralegal with Bennett Griffin in 2006 and then commenced my Training Contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2008.
With 15 years’ experience in Private Client work with Bennett Griffin, I have dealt with a wide range of Client matters over the years; Wills, LPA’s, Trusts, Court of Protection, Elderly Client services and Estate Administration. I now specialise in Estate Administration alone.
Qualifications
- LLB (Hons) 1st Class Law degree in 2001
- Legal Practice Course in 2004
Recent Cases
I have recently been dealing with a high value intestacy matter. The deceased had been our Client before sadly passing away. We were appointed as Deputy for the Client so we were aware of his financial position, however, unfortunately there had not been enough time to consider a Statutory Will before he passed away. We have researched the family tree in detail, obtained Letters of Administration for the estate on behalf of the Administrator and paid the large Inheritance Tax bill due. We are now considering the realisation of the assets as per the beneficiaries instructions. The matter continues.
I have also dealt with another high value matter with the estate consisting of a portfolio of tenanted properties, some of which now require lease extensions before they can be sold. The deceased had been a Client for many years before, instructing us to act in relation to making Wills, buying and selling properties and making Powers of Attorney. The deceased was widowed and we were therefore able to utilise the unused Nil Rate Band from her late husband’s estate. Beneficiaries have also considered Deeds of Variation for their own entitlement to reduce the Inheritance Tax that may become payable on their own estate.
Another recent high value case involved utilising the 10% charity legacy to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable from 40% to 36%. The Inheritance Tax due was in excess of £600,000, however, this would have been in excess of £750,000 had the 10% legacy Clause not been included in the Will by our Will writing Team.
Areas of Expertise
Estate Administration including:
- Advising Executors of their legal duties;
- Probate applications and completing Inheritance Tax forms;
- Publishing Statutory Notices in the London Gazette and local newspaper;
- Collecting and valuing all assets and paying any liabilities and administration expenses;
- Property matters; insurance, utilities, Council Tax, Managing Agents, visiting etc
- Preparing Estate Accounts and distributing to beneficiaries;
- Intestacy matters;
- Trust considerations;
- Deeds of Variation;
- Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax considerations.
Memberships
- The Law Society
- Association of Lifetime Lawyers
Client Testimonials
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“Helped out over and beyond in Covid Lockdown situation” “Really appreciate Katie and her colleagues help & support in difficult circumstances. Friendly, professional, efficient & helpful”
Client Feedback | Katie Foan | Private Client
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Very supportive through different situations, excellent understanding of my needs as client. Very personable, not just interested in my money. Careful to explain what needs to be done, by whom and a clear breakdown of progress to date at various points.
Client Feedback | Katie Foan | Private Client