Andrew East

Andrew works with clients to plan for their and their loved-one's futures or deal with the death and estate of a family member.

As a senior member of Holmes & Hills Solicitors’ specialist Private Client Department, Andrew often advises those clients of the firm that have material or complex assets, these often falling into multiple classes, including equities (sometimes foreign), other financial product assets, commercial interests, property (sometimes foreign), pensions, collections and savings.

Andrew takes the time in meetings to understand the circumstances, needs, and wants of his clients in front of him. Then, utilising his years of experience, he advises accordingly on the best solution for you. Andrew advises on issues such as:

• Planning for Inheritance Tax
• Planning for care
• Minimising the risk of your Will being disputed by beneficiaries, or those not named
• Utilising different types of Trust to protect wealth, your wider interests, and those of your family and beneficiaries

As a member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and former Chairman of the UK Probate and Estates Committee, Andrew is one of Holmes & Hills’ Trust specialists. It is for his expertise in Trusts that many clients seek his advice. Andrew can advise on all aspects of the drafting and administration of trusts, including the Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Income Tax consequences. Andrew currently sits as a Member of the UK Probate and Estates Committee Disciplinary Panel.

Probate and estate administration

Andrew is also regularly acting for family members who have recently lost a loved-one, acting in the administration of estates. Again, as a senior member of the Department, Andrew is often dealing with the probate and estate administration of individuals who have more complex affairs. Andrew will either represent Holmes & Hills in its role as Executor (where Holmes & Hills is named as such in a Will), seeing to it that the estate is properly administered. Or, equally as often, Andrew is instructed by Executors (often family members of the deceased individual), so that they can relieve themselves of the duty, burden, and personal risk that goes with the role of Executor.

Andrew has a wealth of experience having qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1983. Andrew joined Holmes & Hills Solicitors in 2011 after working at a number of law firms in London and then Essex. Andrew has over 35 years of experience specialising in probate and inheritance tax, including landed estates, heritage property, and cross-border estates.

Andrew is based at Holmes & Hills Solicitors in Braintree but does meet with clients at the firm's other offices where complex Trust advice is required and another office is more convenient. Holmes & Hills has additional offices in Colchester (Marks Tey), Sudbury, Halstead, Coggeshall, Tiptree, and Witham.