Gepp Solicitors - Solicitors in Chelmsford, Essex

Jessica is a Solicitor within the Private Client team.

Jessica studied history at the University of Exeter, graduating with a BA (hons) degree, before completing a law conversion course at the University of Law. She then went on to achieve a distinction in the Legal Practice Course and qualified as a Solicitor in 2021.

Jessica advises on all aspects of Private Client law including wills, estate planning, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration.

Jessica prides herself in offering a professional yet friendly service to her clients. She takes a detailed and methodical approach to her work to ensure that all of her clients receive an outcome suited to their individual needs.

Specialisms

Jessica specialises in estate planning and advises on all different types of Wills. She takes time to assess each client’s individual needs, helping them to articulate their wishes regarding asset distribution. By explaining legal jargon, Jessica ensures her clients have an understanding of complex concepts, empowering them to make informed choices. Her ultimate goal is to secure peace of mind for her clients regarding their legacies and future responsibilities.

Trusts can be used to manage and protect assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries, while providing flexibility and control over how the assets are distributed. Jessica assists clients with the creation, management and closure of trusts. She explains the legal and tax implications, trustee duties and beneficiary rights to ensure that clients make informed decisions.

Jessica understands that it can be a difficult time when a loved one passes away so she aims to make the process of administering an estate as simple as possible. This involves:

  • Navigating the probate process. She guides Executors and Personal Representatives though the process, ensuring compliance with UK laws and procedures.
  • Asset management. Jessica can assist in identifying, gathering and valuing the deceased’s assets, including property and land, bank accounts, shareholdings, life insurance policies, and personal items.
  • Debt settlement. Jessica can manage the payment of debts, tax and expenses on behalf of the personal representatives, ensuring that all financial obligations are met.
  • Inheritance Tax. She ensures all the available IHT allowances and exemptions have been applied to the estate to ensure that the correct amount of tax has been paid.

Jessica has also assisted clients in resealing foreign Grants of Probate to be used to administer UK assets where the deceased died domiciled outside of the UK.

Jessica guides her clients through the complex legal requirements and implications of establishing and registering LPAs for health and welfare, as well as property and financial affairs. She ensures that her clients understand their choices and their appointed attorney’s responsibilities.

Jessica also assists with the registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Jessica advises clients on effective yet secure IHT planning. She seeks to understand her client’s needs and wishes to reduce the amount of IHT owed on their estates, meaning that more assets are passed on to their beneficiaries.

Case Studies

  • A client came to see Jessica to discuss administering his late father’s estate and his last Will which his father had prepared himself.Upon reviewing the Will, it became apparent that there were no executors appointed who were able to act. He was also unable to locate the original Will. Jessica was able to advise on the procedure to apply for the Grant of Letters of Administration where no executors are able to act and also apply using the copy Will in order to obtain the Grant and progress the administration.
  • Our client wished to transfer her property to her daughter to reduce any IHT liability on her death and came to see Jessica for advice. After discussing her estate and the IHT exemptions available on her death, it became clear that no IHT would be payable on her death if she kept the property, but IHT would likely be payable if she transferred the property. As a result, she came to the decision not to transfer her property thereby avoiding an IHT charge on death.
  • Mr and Mrs came to see Jessica to discuss setting up Wills. They owned a business and wanted to ensure that the business was able to benefit from Business Property Relief. Jessica advised them on Wills which ensured that this IHT relief was available to claim on death, whilst also ensuring the financial security of the survivor.

Related services

What clients are saying about Jessica

“Jessica was very diligent and clear in her communication. It was a pleasure dealing with her.”

“We were very satisfied with the high quality advice and service received from Jessica and her colleagues.”

“Found Jessica to be very friendly and gave all the help and advice needed would recommend her and Gepps.”

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about the services we can offer you, please feel free to get in touch.

“Extremely professional, knowledgeable and friendly.”, “Easy to park and very friendly welcome”

Value for money

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