Private Client Services - Gilson Gray
private client

individual 
Private client services

Every person’s situation and needs are different, which is why we provide bespoke private client services tailored to each individual client.

Legal services for private clients

Every person’s situation and needs are different, which is why we provide bespoke private client services tailored to each individual client. Our legal services are intended to support you through the whole of your lifetime, so whether you are buying your first home, starting a business, setting up a charity, or making provisions for the future, our focus is on you and your goals.  Whatever stage you are at in your life, we can help.

We work closely with our Financial Services and Residential Property teams, keeping your legal and financial business conveniently under one roof.

This is not a service we offer to consumers in England.

Our team of specialists provide high-quality advice on:

Every person’s situation and needs are different, which is why we provide bespoke private client services tailored to each individual client. Our legal services are intended to support you through the whole of your lifetime, so whether you are buying your first home, starting a business, setting up a charity, or making provisions for the future, our focus is on you and your goals.  Whatever stage you are at in your life, we can help.

Our extensive range of private client services is dedicated to securing your future and that of your loved ones. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive support in various critical aspects of lifetime planning, ensuring your wishes are carried out effectively and your assets are protected.

Find out about some of our lifetime essentials services below:

A simple will is like a set of instructions that tells everyone what you want to happen to your things when you die. It’s a way to ensure that your belongings and money go to the right people, like family, friends, or organizations, according to your wishes.

Complex wills are a bit more detailed. They involve special plans, like setting up trusts, which are like special boxes that can hold your money or belongings until a certain time or until someone reaches a certain age. Trusts are great for protecting and managing things for your family’s future. 

A power of attorney is like choosing someone you trust to make decisions for you if, for some reason, you can’t make them yourself. This person can pay bills, make legal choices, or handle your money if you’re not able to do it. 

This is a way to tell doctors and family what kind of medical care you want if you’re very sick and can’t say for yourself. It explains what you do or don’t want in terms of treatment, making sure your wishes are followed. 

Inheritance tax is like a fee that is sometimes charged when someone passes away and their belongings or money are passed to others. Tax planning is about making a plan to minimize the amount of tax your loved ones might have to pay when you’re no longer around. 

Trusts are a way to keep your things safe for the future. It’s like putting your belongings into a special box with rules on how and when to give them to certain people. Trusts can protect your assets and make sure they’re used how you want, even after you’re gone. 

This is about making sure you have a plan for covering potential costs if you need long-term care, like nursing care or assistance when you’re older. It’s important to plan for this in advance to be prepared. 

This is about ensuring that everyone gets a fair share of what they’re entitled to when someone passes away. It’s like making sure everyone gets a fair piece of the pie according to the law. 

This is a way to change or adjust what’s written in a will after someone has passed away. It’s useful if the will doesn’t seem quite fair or needs to be adjusted for a better distribution of assets. 

This is about planning for what happens to a business when the owner isn’t there anymore. It ensures a smooth transition of the business to new owners or managers. 

This service helps manage and protect things like online accounts, photos, and digital money after you’re gone. It ensures your digital things are passed on how you want. 

These are like personal notes to the people handling your will, providing guidance on how you’d like things to be handled, although they are not legally binding. It’s a way to share your thoughts and wishes about your things. 

At Gilson Gray, we make sure to explain these services in simple terms, helping you understand how they work and why they’re important for securing your future and your family’s well-being. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help you. Your peace of mind is our priority. 

At Gilson Gray, we understand the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals facing incapacity or vulnerability. Our specialised services cater to these critical needs, ensuring proper legal protection and support for individuals and their families.

Find out about some of our incapacity and vulnerable persons services below:

A power of attorney is a crucial legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make important decisions on your behalf if, for any reason, you’re unable to do so yourself. Our team assists in establishing powers of attorney, ensuring that your interests and wishes are protected, even in challenging times. 

Guardianships serve as a protective measure for individuals who are unable to make their own decisions due to various circumstances. Our experienced team helps in establishing legal guardianships, ensuring the rights and interests of vulnerable individuals are safeguarded and properly managed. 

In certain situations where someone is vulnerable and at risk, intervention orders can be a vital legal tool. Our team helps to obtain these orders, providing legal protection and necessary assistance for individuals who might be in danger or at risk of harm. 

For those who have received compensation following a personal injury, setting up a personal injury trust is an essential step in securing and managing these funds. Our experts assist in establishing trusts, ensuring that these funds are managed in the best interest of the injured party, safeguarding their financial future.

A living will or advance directive outlines your medical preferences in case you’re unable to communicate your wishes. Our team helps you to legally document your healthcare preferences, ensuring that your desires regarding medical treatment are clearly expressed and respected. 

At Gilson Gray, our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support for individuals facing incapacity or vulnerability. Contact us to explore how our specialized services can help protect the rights and interests of yourself or your loved ones during challenging times. Your peace of mind is our priority.

At Gilson Gray, we understand the complexities and emotional challenges that arise when dealing with matters following the passing of a loved one. Our specialised services under the “Dealing with Death” category aim to provide compassionate and professional support in managing estate affairs and navigating the legal complexities during this difficult time.

Find out about services relating to dealing with death below:

Administering an estate, also known as an executry, involves managing the legal and financial affairs after a person’s passing. Our team offers comprehensive assistance in navigating this process, ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out, and the estate is distributed in line with legal requirements. 

In situations where the distribution of an estate needs to be adjusted, a Deed of Variation is a legal instrument used to modify the terms of a will after someone’s passing. Our experts assist in navigating this process to ensure that estate distributions align with changing circumstances or rectify any unfairness. 

Tax obligations related to an estate can be intricate. Our tax planning services are designed to minimise tax liabilities on the estate, ensuring that the transfer of assets is as tax-efficient as possible. 

In cases where disputes or disagreements arise regarding the estate, our legal team provides expert guidance and resolution strategies, aiming to resolve conflicts and ensure a fair and legally sound outcome. 

Managing and dealing with estates across different countries or jurisdictions can be complex. Our team offers specialized assistance in navigating the legal procedures and requirements of foreign estates, ensuring a smooth and compliant process. 

Managing trusts and estate finances requires detailed and accurate accounting. Our accounting services for trusts and executries ensure transparent and compliant financial management in accordance with legal requirements. 

At Gilson Gray, our compassionate and experienced team is committed to providing professional guidance and support during the difficult period following the loss of a loved one. Contact us to explore how our services can assist in managing estate affairs, navigating legal complexities, and ensuring a smooth and fair distribution of assets. Your peace of mind during this challenging time is our priority. 

Legal and financial advice for all stages of your life

Contact our expert solicitors to find out how we can help you plan your future.

Legal services for private clients

We provide bespoke private client services tailored to each individual.

Our 
People

Joe Davies

Joe Davies

Partner, Head of Private Client

Lesley McKnight

Lesley McKnight

Partner, Private Client

Lynne Ragoubi

Lynne Ragoubi

Senior Accredited Paralegal

Dorothy Kellas

Dorothy Kellas

Legal Director

Gilson Gray Bowmans Elizabeth McGillivary

Elizabeth McGillivray

Kieran Fitzpatrick

Kieran Fitzpatrick

Legal Director

Gilson Gray Richard Fairgrieve MHD Law

Raymond Fairgrieve

What our clients say

  • Fiona
  • Private Client

Thank you so much for your help in navigating me through the processes for sorting my dad’s affairs. Much appreciated.

  • Peter Hunt
  • Legal Services

“…our dealings with you were second to none. We very much appreciate your involvement in our affairs during the early stages of the COVID lockdown and would have no hesitation in utilising your services, should they be required again in the future.”

  • Anonymous
  • Private Client & Wills

“Thank you for organising everything for us and enabling the process to run so efficiently. We’ll be in touch at some point over the next few years if our situation changes in order to reflect that in the wills.”

  • Jane Green

“I consulted Gilson Gray about the writing of my Will and the setting up of a Power of Attorney.
My wishes were interpreted with imagination and I was given what I consider to be sound advice. The whole process from initial discussion to the signing of all documents was straight forward.”

  • Anonymous

“I just wanted to briefly touch base to say what a great experience we are having working with your team at GG. The Real Estate Team prepared our office lease and has been fantastic. We are working hard to intro the team to some of our active clients and hope to see this relationship moving from strength to strength. You have also introduced us to Private Client and Employment Teams who we have employed for their various areas of expertise. The level of service they have provided us with has been fantastic and they have all been an absolute pleasure to work with. We had some tricky employment issues and you ensured that the entire process went as smoothly as it could, which we are so grateful for.”

  • Alison Sainsbury
  • Private Client

“I have found your advice invaluable and you and your team extremely approachable and efficient!

You take the time to explain things clearly (in easy to understand language), enable plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and discuss various options thoroughly – all which have greatly supported me in making an informed decision.

I have also appreciated having financial costs of your service being clearly defined from the onset.

You supported me previously to create my will and now more recently my Power of Attorney. I anticipated the process for both might be a bit overwhelming, however with your support every step of the way,  this has been a much easier process than I expected and I am delighted with the service you have provided!”

  • Anonymous
  • Private Client & Residential Conveyancing

“In the last few months we have used Gilson Gray for will updates and house deeds. We had excellent service from Lindsay Darroch, Lisa Martin and Sarah Denovan. At all times they gave us clear advice and communication was excellent. Would definitely recommend.”