Michael Smoult > Gorvins Solicitors > Stockport, England > Lawyer Profile

Gorvins Solicitors possesses impressive corporate, commercial and litigation departments who collaborate with the three-partner strong contentious trusts and probate team to deliver a comprehensive service to trustees and beneficiaries. Under the leadership of Michael Smoult, whose recent work highlights included the disputed estates of high-profile sport and media individuals, the firm engage with contested and fraudulent wills, the removal and replacement of trustees, and complex Inheritance Act claims. Julie Burgess specialises in matters that concern foreign property and agricultural elements, while Danielle Clements, who was promoted to partner last year, advises on the full range of practice matters, with a notable track record on coercive behaviour and undue influence-based claims.

Gorvins Solicitors advises on a broad range of wills, trusts and succession planning mandates, as well as undertaking Court of Protection work, such as acting as deputies and submitting applications. The firm has a specialist family business team which leverages expertise from its deep bench of private client lawyers to offer a full service including corporate and commercial, wills, trusts and probate, and also employment law counsel. Head of department Michael Smoult jointly heads the family business team and has extensive experience in matters concerning inheritance tax planning, will preparation, and protecting the assets of clients with disabled beneficiaries. Julie Burgess has expertise advising on complex estates, including agricultural property and foreign assets, as well as lifetime planning for disabled and vulnerable children. Almas Patankar is involved with inheritance tax planning and Court of Protection matters.