Anne Stockley Associate Solicitor | Wills, Trusts, & Probate Team

Expertise

I qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and specialise in supporting clients through all aspects of estate administration, whether or not a will is in place. I understand that this can be an emotionally difficult and overwhelming time, as bereaved individuals are often faced with a significant amount of paperwork and strict deadlines set by bodies such as HMRC. My role is to ease that burden, guiding executors and administrators step by step through the process, right up to the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries.

Where there is no will, I advise on establishing entitlement under the intestacy rules and assist with tracing beneficiaries. If the deceased held assets abroad, I work closely with professionals in other jurisdictions to ensure a smooth administration process.

I also advise clients on creating or updating their wills, offering guidance on how to legally minimise inheritance tax liabilities and protect assets from potential nursing home fees. In addition, I provide advice on safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries through appropriate estate planning measures.

As a professional deputy appointed by the Court of Protection, I manage the financial affairs of individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.

My work is closely integrated with other departments at SA Law, and I regularly collaborate with colleagues in our family and conveyancing teams, as well as trusted independent financial advisers, to ensure clients receive comprehensive and seamless support.

Key Experience

  • Acting for a family where the deceased did not leave a will and had multiple assets which needed to be located.
  • Acting for executors where the deceased held assets in Spain and also owned a business in England.
  • Preparing a Deed of Variation and advising on a gift of property to help a couple minimise their inheritance tax liability.
  • Preparing a will and Lasting Powers of Attorney for a person diagnosed with early stages of dementia to ensure that all steps have been taken before mental capacity declines.
  • Acting as a professional deputy in the Court of Protection to manage the affairs of a person born without mental capacity.

Career & Qualifications

  • Qualified as a Solicitor in 2004
  • Trainee Solicitor then Solicitor | Walter Jennings & Son
  • Solicitor | Sternberg Reed
  • Solicitor | Premier Solicitors
  • Principal Associate | Bretherton Law
  • Associate | Scott Duff & Co
  • Associate Solicitor | SA Law

In General

  • Trustee of The Friends of St Albans Abbey charity
  • A-level French and Spanish

Latest insights

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  1. Insight

    Why every parent should make a will: lessons from Liam Payne’s estate

    by Liz Orman and Anne Stockley

    View Insight

  2. Insight

    Pensions and Inheritance Tax: The Overlooked Budget Proposal

    by Anne Stockley

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  4. Insight

    Own a business or property abroad? Important factors to consider when making a Will

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