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Biography

I joined Irwin Mitchell in 1997 having earlier worked for HSBC Trust Company (UK) Limited. My areas of expertise cover Wills, probate, estates, tax planning and trust advice.

My primary role is client relationship management and business development for the Wills & Probate teams. This involves working closely with many large financial institutions to ensure that we are delivering a quality service for their customers and to ensure we grow business between us.

Testimonials

Gillian is "very experienced" - Legal 500 2016

I qualified as a solicitor in 2001.

Read My Comments On The Latest News

29/09/2020
Release Of Funds Without Probate Reaching ‘Alarming Levels’, Experts Warn

“There’s been an increase over recent years in releasing funds without a grant of probate, but now we’re seeing truly staggering sums being released. Previously financial institutions would have insisted on a Grant of Probate to ensure they were paying the funds to the personal representative of the estate, which was an important safeguard. “But increasingly it seems that financial institutions are insured in the event they pay to the ‘wrong’ person, if they don’t insist on seeing a grant of probate before paying out. This may well be being done with the best of intentions to release funds to families quickly during this difficult period, but it is causing unforeseen consequences – especially as the sums released get bigger and bigger. “As well as potentially issuing money to the wrong person, the true beneficiaries under the will or under the laws of intestacy, might not know the funds have been paid out to others – missing out on their share entirely. This can lead to costly will and estate disputes. “There’s also a risk that proper probate processes aren’t followed by those receiving the funds, including dealing with inheritance tax. Those picking up huge sums of funds may not then see the necessity to submit an inheritance tax return. Failure to submit that return and pay the tax due, where it necessary to do so, is a criminal offence and so the risks are great.”
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02/04/2020
Ministry Of Justice Mulls Changing Law For Wills

“These are extraordinary times we’re in and we have had more people getting in touch with wanting to sort out their affairs because of coronavirus – either because they’re anxious, or because they have more time under lockdown. “We have no idea how this pandemic is going to continue, and it’s unsurprising the Ministry of Justice might relax the rules around witnessing of wills; we completely agree the safety of all involved is paramount. However, we hope that safeguarding measures are considered as a top priority if any changes are going to be made. “Our team have expressed concerns of what could happen if the rules are relaxed particularly relating to the elderly and vulnerable – for instance, someone could be out of sight and influencing the client’s decisions. “By the time a will is put into effect, issues over knowledge and understanding of the will are often verified by the witnesses. Without this function, it would increase the opportunity for fraud. Additional identity and capacity safeguards would need to be fully considered. “If there’s any doubt a will wasn’t signed properly, we might see more costly will disputes coming out of this period of uncertainty, which can be emotionally devastating for families. “Many are anxious for either themselves or their loved ones to be looked after, so until we hear of any changes to the rules we’ll continue to help our clients as much as we can.”
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08/07/2019
Over Three-Fifths In Yorkshire Have No Plans To Save For Future Care

“Whatever the outcome of the green paper, we are all likely to be expected to contribute more to later life care costs but over three fifths in Yorkshire and Humber aren’t saving for the eventuality and what’s more, don’t plan to. “There is a knowledge gap over everything from the true cost of care and how it is funded, to simple things like seeking advice. Given government policy on the topic is in limbo, it should come as no surprise many in our region appear to be in the same boat. “Future care planning hints at mortality and, like making a will, it’s not a topic anyone likes to face. However, given care home abuse scandals coupled with the looming crisis in care funding, it’s an issue neither politicians nor public can afford to ignore much longer.”
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01/07/2019
Is Bank Of Mum And Dad Expecting To Bank On Sons And Daughters For Long-Term Care In Sheffield?

“Sheffield attitudes are a serious cause for concern. Annual care home fees can be in excess of £44,000 and with two thirds of people in the city unware of the facts, the survey shows the need for urgent debate on the topic. “If unaddressed we could be sleepwalking into a social care crisis in the future, with people either unable to fund care, being forced to use their assets to do so or agreeing to poor care home contract choices by not seeking professional advice. “With young people facing an unprecedented squeeze on finances, it is unlikely they will have the means to fund parental care. Facing realities now can minimise the distress caused by financial decisions that too many of us are either blissfully unaware of, or are putting off for tomorrow, rather than face today.”
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Gillian Coverley

Biography

Testimonials

Read My Comments On The Latest News

Release Of Funds Without Probate Reaching ‘Alarming Levels’, Experts Warn

Ministry Of Justice Mulls Changing Law For Wills

Over Three-Fifths In Yorkshire Have No Plans To Save For Future Care

Is Bank Of Mum And Dad Expecting To Bank On Sons And Daughters For Long-Term Care In Sheffield?

Send Us Your Enquiry

Request A Callback

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Gillian Coverley

Biography

Testimonials

Read My Comments On The Latest News

Release Of Funds Without Probate Reaching ‘Alarming Levels’, Experts Warn

Ministry Of Justice Mulls Changing Law For Wills

Over Three-Fifths In Yorkshire Have No Plans To Save For Future Care

Is Bank Of Mum And Dad Expecting To Bank On Sons And Daughters For Long-Term Care In Sheffield?

Send Us Your Enquiry

Request A Callback