Question 1

Which clients do you usually work with?

Accepted Answer

Which clients do you usually work with?

I advise a broad range of high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, families, trustees and business owners on complex estate, succession and tax planning matters. Much of my work focuses on helping clients preserve and pass on wealth efficiently across generations, often involving substantial family businesses, trusts, landed estates and investment structures.

My clients commonly include:

Entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses and company founders looking to plan for retirement, succession and business continuity
Trustees and beneficiaries requiring advice on complex trust structures, trust administration and inheritance tax planning
HNW and UHNW families seeking tailored wealth preservation and succession strategies
Owners of rural businesses and landed estates requiring specialist advice on agricultural and business property reliefs
Executors and beneficiaries involved in complex estate administrations and post-death planning.

Many of my clients have long-standing relationships with the firm, and I often act as a trusted adviser, coordinating tax, trust, estate planning and corporate succession matters, working closely with accountants, financial advisers and colleagues across multiple legal disciplines.

Question 2

What notable cases have you worked on?

Accepted Answer

Business succession planning I advise the founders and shareholders of a leading groundwork and concrete frame contractor, on retirement planning and the succession of their business. Working closely with our Corporate team and external tax advisers, I helped implement a strategy involving family trusts, share transfers and governance restructuring ahead of significant inheritance tax changes in April 2026. This was a high-value matter, designed to protect family wealth while facilitating the successful transition of the business to the next generation. Inheritance tax planning for HNW clients I acted for long-standing HNW clients in relation to sophisticated inheritance tax planning involving their family home. The project required the creation of a discretionary trust structure, coordination with surveyors and advisers, and implementation of arrangements designed to avoid a gift with reservation of benefit. The planning successfully facilitated wealth transfer while maintaining tax efficiency. Restructuring and termination planning for a long-established family settlement I advised the trustees and beneficiaries of a long-running family trust on its termination, which involved a review of the trustee powers, advising on the tax implications of terminating life interests and implementing inheritance tax planning for the beneficiaries. The strategy achieved an immediate reduction in beneficiaries' estates for inheritance tax purposes and established a pathway for further tax-efficient succession planning. Complex trust succession planning for a prominent family trust I advised the trustees of a notable family trust on the succession of trust assets following the death of the principal life tenant. The matter required analysis of historic trust documents, consideration of family succession issues and detailed tax advice relating to the transfer of trust assets between family members.

Question 3

How do you help your clients achieve the best outcome?

Accepted Answer

How do you help your clients achieve the best outcome?

My approach starts with understanding the client's objectives, family circumstances and the nature of their assets. No two families are the same, so every strategy is tailored to the individual's personal, financial and commercial goals. Typically, I will:

Take time to understand the full picture by reviewing family structures, business interests, trusts, property holdings and succession objectives.
Identify opportunities and risks, including tax exposures, governance issues and future succession challenges.
Develop a bespoke strategy that balances wealth preservation, tax efficiency and practical family considerations.
Coordinate specialist advice from accountants, financial advisers, valuers and colleagues in our corporate, property and other legal teams where required.
Manage implementation from beginning to end, ensuring all documentation, trust structures, wills and succession arrangements are properly executed.
Provide ongoing support as circumstances, legislation and family needs evolve over time.

Clients often come to me because of the complexity of their affairs. I focus on translating complicated legal and tax concepts into clear advice and practical solutions, helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Question 4

What can I expect from my first meeting with you?

Accepted Answer

What can I expect from my first meeting with you?

Our first meeting is an opportunity for me to understand your circumstances, objectives and any concerns you may have, while giving you the chance to ask questions in a relaxed and confidential environment.

I can meet with you in person at our Gatwick office, at another convenient Irwin Mitchell office location, or remotely via video call, depending on your preferences and circumstances.

During our meeting, we'll typically discuss:

Your family circumstances and future plans
The nature and value of your assets, businesses or trusts
Any existing wills, trusts or succession arrangements
Any concerns you may have around inheritance tax, succession planning or asset protection
Your priorities for your family, business and long-term legacy.

Following our discussion, I'll explain the options available to you, recommend practical next steps and outline how I can help. If you decide to instruct me, we'll agree a clear plan of action and bring together the right team of specialists to support you throughout the process.

My aim is for you to leave our first meeting with a clear understanding of your position, the opportunities available to you and a strategy for achieving your long-term objectives.

Caroline Shelton