Private client
Particularly experienced in acting for clients within the agricultural sector, Thompson Smith and Puxon is described as ‘very capable’ in handling the full range of estate and inheritance tax planning matters, as well as the preparation and advice on wills. Robert Ashworth leads the practice and focuses on will and estate administration for farming families, an area in which Fiona Ashworth also specialises. Ann Coutts has recently advised on the preparation of wills and lifetime trusts, while Georgia Bolton handles lasting powers of attorney, estate administration and Court of Protection work.
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Profile
Work Department
Wills and Estates
Position
Director, Solicitor
Career
Fiona, who qualified as a solicitor in 1999, joined the TSP Wills and Estates team in August 2014. Fiona has extensive experience and advises clients on their Wills and succession planning, Powers of Attorney (Lasting Powers and the registration of Enduring Powers), the administration of estates, tax and trust matters and Court of Protection cases. She has developed a particular specialism working with elderly clients and her farming background has helped her to develop an agricultural client base. Since January 2016 Fiona M Ashworth Ltd, a company of which Fiona is a Director, has been a corporate partner in Thompson Smith and Puxon.
Fiona, who was born in Colchester, has long established links with the town. Her Father, David Cannon, is a former Mayor (1998), and she attended Colchester County High School for Girls. She completed both her Law Degree and her Legal Practice Course at Anglia Ruskin University, before going on to train with a Colchester law firm. During her training Fiona worked in Wills and Probate and on “elderly client” matters and decided that this was the area of the law that she wanted to focus on.
Fiona is a member of Lifetime Lawyers, an independent national organisation of lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers. Fiona is also a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). STEP is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues. STEP members help families to plan for their long term financial future, providing expert advice on how to comply with the often complex law and tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance. She is a past Trustee of the Essex Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and is also a council member of the Essex Agricultural Society.
Languages
English
Memberships
Qualified Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Full Accredited Member of Lifetime Lawyers
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very capable team with experience and knowledge for dealing with complicated and high-value clients. The quality of their advice is second to none, and the professional manner in which they conduct themselves is well known locally. Very much a top-tier law firm with an offering that is well respected.’
‘Ann Coutts is very knowledgeable, and I have no second thoughts about her professional opinion. While her knowledge is exceptional, it is also very practical in how she applies this to individual client cases. Clients find her very easy to deal with, and this is down to her clear approach to giving legal advice. She is well supported by her team, which means that when queries are given to her, she is quick to respond.’
‘The team are a fantastic group of people, very welcoming, and I can always trust them to do a fantastic job for the clients. They are extremely knowledgeable in their area and always available to assist with anything.’
‘Georgia Bolton is brilliant to work with, always friendly and particularly knowledgeable. I not only recommend her to clients but also use her for my own personal business, which is the highest recommendation I can give.’
‘I have been very satisfied with their professionalism and with the quality of service provided.’
‘Friendly, professional, client-focused team.’
‘Ann Coutts is highly professional, combined with a calm, reassuring disposition; excellent customer service: responsive, thorough, effective, efficient and manages expectations.’
‘The kindness and compassion shown by Fiona Ashworth and her colleagues were outstanding. We do not feel we would have received the same level of care and consideration from another firm.’