Gardner Leader LLP

Personal tax, trusts and probate

Richard is based in our Thatcham office. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1987, Richard has specialised in estate planning work. He advises clients on how to protect their wealth and also guides them on the most appropriate methods of transferring that wealth, both during lifetime and on death.

Richard is an expert in advising on and drawing up wills – these often include trusts to reduce Inheritance Tax, minimise the impact of care fees or protect vulnerable beneficiaries. In his line of work he will ensure that pension funds, death in service benefits and life assurance policies are dealt with in accordance with the client’s wishes and as tax efficiently as possible. Richard is also experienced in advising on the taxation consequences of lifetime gifts and whether a trust should be considered, including setting up, restructuring and terminating trusts. He also deals with trust administration and is personally named as a trustee in some cases. His experience in Probate and administration of estates includes post-death tax planning to minimise Inheritance Tax. Setting up and registering powers of attorney is also an area of Richard’s expertise.

Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Private Client Section of the Law Society.Trustee of the St Bartholomew’s School Foundation.