DQ‘s trusts and private client team is able to offer a wide range of advice on matters ranging from tax investigations to wills and probate. The team is led by Annemarie Hughes , who has in-depth knowledge of international tax investigations, while also providing assistance in issues arising out of trusts. Donna Matthews has over a decade of experience in advising clients on matters arising from trusts, from day-to-day issues to complex matters such as restructuring of trusts. Greg Jones is a specialist tax consultant, providing advice to individuals, trusts and corporations. Mark Emery is recommended for trust litigation.
Private client, trusts and tax in Isle Of Man
DQ
Practice head(s):
Annemarie Hughes; Donna Matthews; Greg Jones
Other key lawyers:
Mark Emery
Testimonials
‘DQ have provided tax and legal advice regarding international matters and we have found them to be professional, responsive and pragmatic. They provided estimates of costs and kept us up to date with billing so there were no surprises. We found them to be experienced and confident in advising us and would certainly work with them again on similar matters.’
‘DQ were extremely responsive and worked with us on a number of transactions that required time sensitive attention, technical input and adapting to different requirements at the eleventh hour. It is one of the best collaborative approach firms that I have worked with in the IOM and have recommended them to other professionals who have had a similar experience.’
‘A very approachable team. Go out of their way to exceed client expectations. Reasonable rates and fair pricing.’
‘Annemarie Hughes has proven to be a very valued asset to DQ. Very approachable. Explains my queries in ‘layman’s terms’. Always meets deadlines, however tight. A lovely sunny disposition and so knowledgeable. Always my first choice.’
‘DQ attorneys are extremely skilled in their respective practice areas. They have strong relationships with other firms and government personnel. They are responsive to queries from clients, government agencies, opposing counsel, and third parties. Their judgement is sound and their advice is measured. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘DQ offer a professional service and have been a source of solid advice that has been invaluable in informing our decision-making, during some challenging times. Annemarie Hughes’ advice was crucial to helping us make progress.’
‘Annemarie Hughes is very knowledgeable in respect of trust law and has always provided a first class service. She has always been very approachable and any response are swift and considered.’
‘The team is knowledgeable, quick to respond and helpful. They offer solutions that is practical and not only legally sound but simple and effective. They find solutions rather than only point out the errors and weaknesses.’
Work highlights
- Acting for a beneficiary in contesting the validity of his late father’s Last Will and Testament on the basis that his father lacked testamentary capacity at the time of giving instructions and executing the same.
Simcocks
Simcocks’ private client department is overseen by practice head Phil Games, who has expertise in setting up trusts across jurisdictions, tailored to suit the needs of individual clients. In addition to advising high net worth individuals, he is also a commissioner for oaths and notary public. Louise Byrne is a specialist litigator and has represented a number of high net worth clients in divorce cases. Kevin O’Loughlin handles both contentious and non-contentious matters pertaining to trusts. Caroline Jennings has experience in dealing with complex financial matters and heads the firm’s family law practice.
Practice head(s):
Phil Games
Other key lawyers:
Louise Byrne; Kevin O’Loughlin; Caroline Jennings
Testimonials
‘Simcocks s a highly reputable, well known firm and one with which we have worked for many years, particularly in connection with trust, corporate and private client work.’
‘All of the directors are longstanding, approachable individuals from whom you are guaranteed to receive the highest standard of service. They are friendly, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘User friendly, excellent availability, knowledgeable, attention to detail and thorough.’
‘Kevin O’Loughlin has excellent trust knowledgeable, thorough in his work and very technical…. he also likes to test you at times!’
Advocate John Rimmer Limited
Advocate John Rimmer Limited specialises in trust issues, focusing on private wealth. John Rimmer has wide ranging expertise in this field, advising clients on matters pertaining to trusts, estate planning, wills, probate, charity and tax. His work often includes cross-border matters. Also recommended is Hollie Ranscombe, who advises on issues of trusts, wills and estate administration. She is a Commissioner of Oaths and Notary public.
Practice head(s):
John Rimmer
Other key lawyers:
Hollie Ranscombe
Testimonials
‘From experience, John Rimmer Limited is the ‘go to’ firm when it comes to private client and trust matters. We always receive a professional but personal service. Hourly rates are competitive.’
‘John Rimmer is a leading trust specialist with a good reputation. He is professional with a pragmatic approach. He is approachable and always gives a full explanation of the advice given which gives us confidence in the planned approach and our understanding.’
‘John Rimmer is widely acknowledged as having great knowledge in respect of Isle of Man Trusts, the “go to” expert.’
‘Technical excellence. Punches well above its weight considering that Advocate John Rimmer Ltd is a very small private client boutique. A well known and highly regarded Isle of Man practice with expertise in wills and trusts, probate, dispute resolution etc.’
‘John Rimmer is technically excellent. He really knows his stuff and is an expert in trusts and foundations, wills and estate planning, probate issues etc He is charming to deal with and is very good with clients.’
‘Advocate John Rimmer is an able lawyer and his drafting of documents is of a high standard.’
‘Advocate John Rimmer have always been a great firm to work with and we have been working in partnership with them for many years. They are always happy to assist with queries we may have regarding new or exiting matters and are clear and concise in regard to document requirements, process, timescales and fees – our clients are always very satisfied as a result.’
‘Our main point of contact at Advocate John Rimmer is Hollie Ranscombe. Hollie is always extremely helpful and explains often complex matters in clear and understandable language. Hollie is always very quick to respond, reliable and very approachable.’
Appleby
Appleby advises a range of clients on high value contentious and non-contentious trust matters, in addition to pensions and estate issues. Practice head Charles Davies is a litigation specialist and regularly handles complex, cross-border issues. Melissa Wong assists a number of local and international clients on matters ranging from the capacity of trustees to the establishment of charities on the Isle of Man. Associate Erin Trimble-Cregeen focuses on trust and estate disputes.
Practice head(s):
Charles Davies
Other key lawyers:
Melissa Wong; Erin Trimble-Cregeen
Testimonials
‘Private client and trust is a bedrock of the Appleby practice and their reputation is second to none in the Isle of Man in this service area. It is well deserved. They have a combined experience which covers every type of structure and scenario and a deep pool of talent within their team. They are great people to work with.’
‘The Appleby team, including Melissa Wong, is responsive, knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘Melissa Wong is extremely helpful and always available to provide assistance and guidance on what are often complex matters.’
‘Extremely robust advice. Well considered.’
‘Appleby’s ability to provide advice in respect of trust structures on complex financing transactions as well as advice on the financing documents themselves enables them to provide a joined up service.’
‘Appleby were responsive and quick and gave complex advice with real clarity.’
Key clients
Ocorian Trust (Isle of Man) Limited
Trident Trust Company (I.O.M.) Ltd
Barclays
HSBC
Gordon Wilson & Co Ltd
An international humanitarian charity
Work highlights
- Advising the trustee of a structure worth £5 billion with the ongoing administration of the trust and associated sub-trusts.
- Acting for beneficiaries of a discretionary trust valued €1 billion with an ongoing dispute with the trustee and other beneficiaries including applications to court.
- Advising an international humanitarian charity with its obligations under Isle of Man charity law.