Phillips Law

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Legal Director and Co-Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate

“Sian Lias makes discussions very easy; she is knowledgeable, straightforward and great at explaining things”– The Legal 500, Recommended Lawyer and Rising Star, 2020, 2021 and 2022

Sian advises on all aspects of Wills and Probate including Will drafting, inheritance tax planning and estate administration of both taxable and non-taxable estates.  In addition she deals with the creation and administration of Trusts, and the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Sian has a down to earth yet professional approach and is commended for her personable yet professional manner by clients.

Work highlights:

Advising in connection with an estate where the deceased had a domicile of choice outside of England and Wales including submission of a claim for Business Property Relief in respect of English property owned by the deceased’s offshore company. Preparing tax efficient Wills for husband and wife with net worth of approx. £11.5million. Advising client on tax implications of previous lifetime gifts and the “backward shadowing” rules in respect of lifetime estate planning and creation of lifetime settlements. Advising high net worth individual owning land and business interests on estate and tax planning affairs including drafting of discretionary trust and complex supporting Letter of Wishes. Administering intestate estate including the drafting of Deed of Variation to bring equality throughout the family in line with the family’s wishes.

Sian completed the STEP diploma exams in 2017 with distinction and is a full member of STEP (Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners). Sian is also a member of the Law Society Private Client Section and a full Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.