Alexander Astley

Alexander Astley Biography

Alex joined Gullands in 2000 before becoming a Partner in 2005. He is now the Head of the Private Client Department and specialises in Wills, Trusts and Probate work with particular emphasis on Inheritance Tax saving schemes.  He was admitted as a notary public in January 2007.

Current Professional Activities:

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

Professional Experience:

The following are examples of projects recently undertaken:

  • Administration of estates generally, including liaising with HM Revenue & Customs regarding the availability of Inheritance Tax Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief
  • Advising on Deeds of Variation and posthumous tax planning generally
  • Advising clients on the Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax implications of their instructions
  • Preparing Wills designed to shelter assets from the payment of nursing home fees and advising on how best to protect beneficiaries who are bankrupt or going through divorce
  • Administration of trusts generally including their formation and termination and the appointment of new trustees
  • Court of Protection work including applications for a Deputy to be appointed on behalf of a person no longer capable of managing his or her affairs
  • Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and General Powers of Attorney for specific circumstances
  • Preparing Declarations of Trust for co-owners of property
  • Administration of people’s affairs for clients when there are no other family members involved