An ability to deliver clear and accessible advice

Ellen Shepherd

Managing Associate

eleley@greenwoods.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

Ellen appreciates that no two situations are the same and enjoys the varied experiences that her role and private client law brings. Ellen prides herself on providing clear and accessible advice to her clients.

Ellen is a fully qualified member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners and is able to apply this specialist knowledge into her working day and varied caseload.

Testimonials

“Ellen always responded promptly and prepared to listen, challenge and come up with alternatives.”

(Private Client)

“I couldn’t have wished for a more helpful, efficient or caring person. I would not hesitate to recommend Ellen to anyone.”

(Private Client)

“Ellen was able to answer all [my] questions and guide me through the process clearly.”

(Private Client)

As a Chartered Legal Executive, Ellen has a wealth of private client knowledge which she has developed as her career has progressed. Ellen’s journey into law has not taken the traditional approach and the valuable skills that she learnt as a private client secretary still stand her in good stead today.

Ellen’s work covers a broad spectrum of private client work. As well as the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney, her work includes preparing and advising clients on the most appropriate Will structure and related estate planning. Ellen appreciates the importance of inter-generational planning and is keen to ensure that not just her clients, but their families also receive the advice they may require.

Ellen acts for both professional and lay trustees in the administration of various trust structures. Ellen corresponds with other professionals involved in the trust administration as well as the beneficiaries where appropriate. A trust can be a complex concept to those who have had little or no experience of a trust previously and Ellen also advises on the pros and cons of establishing a trust during lifetime which can include factors such as the administrative burden of a trust, the differing tax rules and the position of the clients creating the trusts.

The final area of private client work which Ellen covers is estate administration. Each estate varies in its nature and complexity but Ellen has experience in administering assets held in other jurisdictions, claims for inheritance tax exemptions and reliefs such as, but not limited to, business relief, gifts out of excess income and the residence nil rate band and transferable residence nil rate band. Not all estate administrations run smoothly and Ellen ensures that executors are aware of their duties and responsibilities throughout the administration process.