Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Legal Services in East Devon
Christine Ashby Solicitor was established in 2004 to deliver professional and approachable legal services. Specialising in wills, probate, trusts, inheritance tax planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney, we serve clients across East Devon. Christine Ashby, the firm's principal, qualified as a solicitor in 1996 and has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable and elderly clients. As an Accredited Lifetime Lawyer, she combines technical expertise with compassionate service. Our work ranges from simple wills to complex estate administration, ensuring tailored solutions for every client.We prioritise transparency, offering fixed-price options for straightforward cases and clear cost estimates for complex matters. Christine collaborates with financial advisers to provide holistic advice, ensuring clients' legal and financial needs align. Based in Ottery St Mary, we offer home visits for those unable to attend our office. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (no. 406307). We strive to demystify legal processes, providing peace of mind through meticulous planning and execution.
Services
Wills
Probate
Trusts
Tax Planning
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Elderly Client Services
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of specialist experience in wills and probate law
- Accredited Lifetime Lawyer status for elderly client expertise
- Transparent pricing with fixed-fee and hourly options
- Home visits available for vulnerable clients
- Collaboration with financial advisers for holistic planning
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Accredited Lifetime Lawyer
What people say
Expertise in complex probate
Compassionate approach
Transparent pricing
Home visit flexibility
Accredited specialists
Services
Wills
Crafting tailored wills to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We offer fixed-price options for straightforward cases and detailed guidance for complex estates. Christine's expertise ensures legal compliance while addressing inheritance tax implications and family dynamics.
Probate
Navigating probate processes with care, from obtaining grants to asset distribution. Our hourly-rate service adapts to estate complexity, handling tax filings and legal documentation. We support executors with transparent cost estimates and flexible involvement levels.
Trusts
Establishing trusts for tax efficiency and asset protection. We advise on lifetime and testamentary trusts, explaining benefits for vulnerable beneficiaries and family wealth preservation. Christine provides clear guidance on trust structures and their long-term implications.
Tax Planning
Mitigating inheritance tax liabilities through strategic planning. We explore exemptions and relief options, integrating wills and trusts to optimise estate transfers. Christine's approach balances legal requirements with clients' financial objectives for tax-efficient solutions.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Creating LPAs to safeguard future decision-making. We draft and register both financial and health & welfare LPAs, ensuring they reflect your specific wishes. Christine explains usage scenarios and tailors documents to meet individual circumstances and family needs.
People
Christine Ashby
Principal Solicitor
Qualified solicitor since 1996, specialising in wills, probate, and elderly client law. Accredited Lifetime Lawyer with 25+ years' experience providing tailored legal solutions in East Devon.
Questions
What legal services do you specialise in?
We specialise in wills, probate, trusts, inheritance tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and elderly client services across East Devon.
How are your probate fees structured?
Probate fees are hourly-rated at £200 + VAT, with estimates ranging from £400–£1,000 for simple estates. Complex cases involving tax planning cost £2,000–£3,000 + VAT.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we provide home visits for clients unable to attend our Ottery St Mary office, ensuring accessible legal support.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA legally appoints attorneys to manage your affairs if you lose capacity. We create tailored financial and health & welfare LPAs, registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
How can I reduce inheritance tax liability?
We implement tax-efficient wills, trusts, and lifetime planning strategies to utilise exemptions and reliefs, potentially saving 40% inheritance tax on estates above £325,000.
