Job Title
Partner & Head of Department
Direct Number
Email Address
Fax
01903 229172
Department/s
Management Board
Wills, Trusts and Probate Services
Tania Clapham
Overview
I am the Head of the Private Client Department and a solicitor specialising in Estate Administration, Trusts, Will-drafting and Powers of Attorney.
I enjoy assisting clients with dealing with the complexities of estate administration, especially where trusts are involved, and advising Executors of Administrators as to their duties and personal responsibilities to prevent potential liabilities arising. I also advise beneficiaries about their options, in light of an inheritance, including the benefits of variations to the estate.
I am a full member of STEP and an accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
I graduated from Staffordshire University with an Honours Degree in Business Studies and then went on to study law and obtain a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Guildford. Having grown up in Ferring and still living in the Worthing area, I have a wealth of local knowledge.
Qualifications
- BA (hons) degree in Business 1993
- Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2000
- Admitted as a Solicitor in 2002
Recent Cases
I assisted the executor in dealing with the estate of his late father who owned a property which was in his sole name. However, I established that the property had in fact been left in part in Trust by his late wife, who passed away many years before, but the gentleman had not dealt with the legal issues of establishing the Trust at the time. I then contacted her children and subsequently dealt with the sale of the property and the distribution of funds between the Trust and the estate. This case highlights the need to ensure that the assets of the first of a couple to pass away are dealt with at the time, and that any Trusts mentioned are properly constituted.
I also dealt with the estate of a lady who passed away leaving a Will that was many years old. The Testatrix had left the estate to a charity that no longer existed. I conducted a search of the Certainty National Wills Register to establish if a later Will had been made, which it had not. I therefore traced and then assisted the named executor in the Will and was involved with tracing the correct charity and that the funds were used as the Testatrix would have liked. This case highlights the importance of making sure that every person keeps their Wills up to date, specially if charities have amalgamated or changed, and named executors have moved on.
Areas of Expertise
- Estate Administration
- Will drafting
- LPA drafting and execution
Memberships
- Law Society
- the Association of Lifetime Lawyers
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
- Dementia Friend
Client Testimonials
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“Tania was really helpful and understanding at a very sad time in my life. I was kept well informed and queries/concerns were answered quickly.”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“Provides a friendly but professional service. Up to date progress reports when possible. So far, very happy with the service despite the virus.”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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Thank you so very much for your involvement and steady hand during this business. I know that my dad would be reassured knowing that things have come to a conclusion without acrimony or difficulty and he would thank you too.
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Probate & Trusts
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“…very grateful that it was pointed out to me how specific I should be, with regard to bequests, in the event that circumstances changed”.
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“Always there to help and answer questions. You have kind staff who have time to chat and explain any problems that arise”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“This has been a wonderful service and Tania has been extremely helpful and has made the whole process very easy and straightforward ‘for a simpleton’ which has been really useful…Tania has been absolutely brilliant”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“Always very courteous and helpful. Always answer my questions so I can understand which makes me more comfortable and able to ask questions.”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“Thank you for all your help in this matter with my mother. I know she has found this whole episode emotionally difficult and appreciates your input.”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client
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“Thank you for all you have done, and are still doing. I have really appreciated your sensitivity and understanding.”
Client Feedback | Tania Clapham | Private Client