Gavin is an experienced Legal Director who has brought his experience and tenacity to our Private Client team. He has an abundance of knowledge and close to a decade of experience helping clients manage their financial future. Gavin's work includes advising agricultural clients on drafting partnership agreements and complex, tailored wills. He has also worked with a number of landed estate clients, acting as a trusted source of legal advice on a range of matters.
Private Client
Gavin's focus on Private Client matters means he can offer well-informed advice and solutions for every client, no matter how complex their situation. He specialises in succession planning, as well as lifetime gifting, tax planning and trusts. He also supports clients with complex wills and inheritance matters, including cases where the Mental Capacity Act has to be considered.
drafting a trust for a wealthy landowner to receive land and buildings, some of which qualified for inheritance tax relief. This included advising on tax implications and preparing documentation in relation to the trust, the transfer of the assets and reporting to the Revenue
successfully applying for conditional exemption on valuable paintings upon the appointment of those paintings from the existing life tenant to her son
undertaking a full ‚'Balfour'‚ review of trading and non-trading activities for a landed estate client ahead of a ten-yearly anniversary charge on one of the family trusts
working with the Commercial team to advise on the taxation of a Family Investment Company upon creation, and on an ongoing basis, in relation to a proposed gift and loan of cash
preparation of sophisticated wills for a married couple with agricultural and business assets
involvement in a Court application to vary a trust under the Variation of Trusts Act
advising an elderly client on a proposed gift of land and buildings to her son, and the consequentially updating her will to ensure an equal division of her assets between her son and daughter, considering the Mental Capacity Act in relation to the client's capacity to gift
Gavin Smith is excellent. He is responsive and has good knowledge of the practice area.- Legal 500
