Private Client, Wealth & Conveyancing

Partner-led advice on succession planning, wealth protection, estate administration and residential property matters.

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Personal, family and business wealth often become closely connected over time. Businesses, property, investments and family arrangements all require careful planning to ensure assets are protected, succession is managed effectively and future generations are provided for.

We provide integrated advice that helps clients protect assets, plan for the future and make important decisions with confidence. Our private client lawyers advise across England and Wales and work closely with our corporate, commercial and property teams to ensure personal and business interests remain aligned.

Whether you are a business owner planning succession, a family with substantial assets or an individual with overseas interests, we help structure your estate to maximise tax reliefs, maintain control and transfer wealth efficiently. Every matter is partner-led and you have direct access to a senior lawyer from start to finish. We prioritise clear communication, confidentiality and practical solutions tailored to your goals.

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What we do

Personal and family affairs rarely fall into neat categories. Estate planning, property ownership, succession, incapacity planning and business interests are often interconnected. We provide coordinated advice designed to protect assets, preserve family wealth and support long-term planning.

Court of Protection & Incapacity Planning – Lasting Powers of Attorney for property and financial affairs and health and welfare, deputyship applications, statutory wills and other Court of Protection matters, with ongoing support for attorneys and deputies.

Estate Administration & Probate – Comprehensive estate administration, including probate or letters of administration applications, estate valuations, inheritance tax reporting, asset realisation and distribution for estates with property, business and cross‑border holdings.

Residential Property – Partner‑led conveyancing and property advice on purchases, sales, re‑mortgages, transfers of equity, investment transactions and new‑build acquisitions, with careful consideration of risk, tax and long-term ownership objectives.

Wills, Tax & Succession Planning – Forward‑looking estate structuring that includes drafting tax‑efficient wills, inheritance tax planning strategies, trust creation, lifetime gifting and business succession advice for both UK and international assets.

Selected Experience

Representative matters have included:

Structuring succession and estate planning arrangements for business owners and families with trading companies, property portfolios and investment holdings, including the use of wills, trusts and family investment companies.
Acting for executors and administrators in the administration of high-value estates involving business interests, investment assets, property portfolios and overseas assets.
Advising families on cross-border estate planning and succession issues involving assets held in multiple jurisdictions.
Preparing inheritance tax planning strategies designed to preserve family wealth and maximise available reliefs for future generations.
Supporting attorneys and deputies in relation to Court of Protection applications, statutory wills, property transactions and ongoing management of financial affairs.
Advising business owners on succession planning, ownership structures and the transfer of wealth between generations.
Managing residential property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, re-mortgages and transfers of equity, with careful consideration of tax, ownership and long-term planning objectives.
Advising trustees, beneficiaries and families on trust structures, asset protection arrangements and the administration of family wealth.

Many clients instruct us over many years as their trusted advisers on personal, family and property matters. By developing a detailed understanding of their circumstances, assets and objectives, we are able to provide advice that remains relevant as their needs evolve.

Why choose us

Integrated insight – We combine private client, property, corporate and commercial experience to advise on personal, family and business wealth together.

Partner-led service – Direct oversight from senior lawyers, supported by an experienced team where appropriate.

Forward-looking advice – We provide tax-aware guidance focused on succession, asset protection, family dynamics and long-term control.

Sensitive handling – Clear communication, confidentiality and careful support throughout important personal and financial decisions.

Our Services

Court of Protection & Incapacity Planning

Lasting Powers of Attorney, deputyship applications and ongoing compliance under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Estate Administration

Probate and structured estate management, including estates involving business and property assets.

Residential Property

Partner-supervised residential transactions delivered with structured process and clear reporting.

Wills, Tax & Succession Planning

Forward-looking estate structuring, inheritance tax planning and business succession advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered below some of the questions we are commonly asked. If you would prefer to speak to us directly, we would be happy to assist.

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What private client and conveyancing services do you offer?

We advise on residential conveyancing, commercial property transactions, wills, estate planning, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney.

Can you provide a conveyancing quote?

Yes. We can provide a clear and transparent conveyancing quote based on the details of your transaction.

Can you help with inheritance tax and estate planning involving property?

Yes. We provide advice on inheritance tax planning and estate structuring to help protect and manage your assets.

Do you act for clients with property portfolios or high-value estates?

Yes. We regularly advise individuals and families with property holdings, business interests and multi-generational estates.

What clients value about working with us

David provides a hands on professional service a very reasonable cost.

Mike Rudd, FOTAS Limited

I am most impressed with Kate, she kept us informed in every step of the way and she certainly took the stress out of buying and selling a house. Thank you again Kate and team.

Martin Stevenson,

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for all my conveyancing for nearly 10 years. Their service is fast, friendly, efficient and extremely professional. I would fully recommend their services every time.

Matt Rowlands, Property Investor and Landlord

This practice has acted for my companies and me personally for nearly 20 years. Following the incorporation they have dealt with company matters, acquisitions, property purchases and advised extensively on contractual arrangements, culminating in a multi-million pound merger with an American group. Not only are they good lawyers but they have an abundance of commonsense and practicality. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Andy Young, DSI Group

Expectations were exceeded, with a full hands on approach. Cotterhill Hitchman were always there to assist and be present at any meetings. Adequate support was definitely there for the school, knowing they had the same contact throughout, who was always on hand to contact and react quickly. To finalise the conversion a concise file was provided to all the relevant people which included a really useful summary of the legals. Cotterhill Hitchman were very approachable and always had direct contact with Saima. They were extremely professional at all stages of conversion. We are more than happy to share our excellent experiences with Cotterhill Hitchman, with other schools, as their legal support assisted to ensure smooth conversion.

Claire Snow, DRB Management

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for a number of years and they have provided me with clear and helpful guidance on a wide range of issues, including residential conveyancing, commercial property and Wills. Matters are always dealt with in an efficient and timely manner and I have continuously found them to be friendly and approachable. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others.

David Fitzgerald, Property Investor

Used Cotterhill Hitchman for my Dad's affairs. After a negative experience with another firm they were a delight to deal with. Manjinder and Kavita understood what we needed and were responsive and respectful throughout. All work was completed to a high standard and delivered quickly. Great firm.

Helen Wallace,

David has helped us, in many occasions, when we needed fundamental help on legal aspects for the business. I consistently get clear, no nonsense approach / solutions from David. I can highly recommend his services.

Paul Barenton, UBI Systems Limited

We were recommended to Cotterhill Hitchman by a good friend for a house purchase. Things were slightly more complex as we were leaving the UK to travel and needed to set up a Power of Attorney to act on our behalf. It was really important that we had a firm we could trust and call upon when needed as we were the other side of the world. The service from Aimee and Kate has been first class and I would highly recommend them to anyone needing a local firm that will go the extra mile.

Andrew Pettingill,

We chose this firm of solicitors as they came highly recommended. Having concluded our current activities with Cotterhill Hitchman, they did not disappoint. The Intestacy matter and related complications made this a very stressful time. With the expert help of David, Brinder, Saima, Satnaam and Manjinder, we were able to leave the matter in very capable hands. We were regularly kept up to date by telephone, email communication and where necessary in-person meetings. Delivering an extremely professional and efficient service, the entire Cotterhill Hitchman team performed flawlessly throughout and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their services.

Krzysztof Feurtado,

I found the advice given by Cotterhill Hitchman/Saima to be clear, reliable and extremely helpful at all times. Cotterhill Hitchman exceeded all my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any school Business Manager. It was so reassuring to know that expert advice and support was only a phone call away. I was impressed not only with Saima's professionalism and attention to detail but with her friendly and approachable nature.

Paul Slack, Twickenham Primary School

Excellent solicitors highly recommended.

Sandra Roche,

Very highly recommended! Saima and her team are on the ball.

Mohammed Hussain,

I have had the pleasure of dealing with David for a number of years and have always found him to offer an exemplary service. I would have no hesitation in recommending David.

Grant Cumbley,

David is a well-informed and reliable solicitor who has to date delivered everything that he has promised.

Brinton Helliwell,

We have used Cotterhill Hitchman several times in the past couple of years for property related issues from conveyancing to negotiating leases and putting licensed in place and have always found them to be helpful and approachable and advice is always proved to be sound. In particular they gave clear guidance and helped us through the issue of negotiating a retail lease which we had never done before and certainly protected us from problems in the future. You will always use them in the future would not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Jane and Tom Dwyer,