Expertise
Biography
As Head of the Wills, Trusts & Tax team at Aaron & Partners, Clive has established himself as a leading name in the North West region for matters concerning estate planning, asset protection, and inheritance tax mitigation.
Background and Expertise
Having qualified in 1994 after studying at the Chester College of Law, Clive joined Aaron & Partners as a Solicitor in 1997 and has a built renowned reputation over the last 25 years and is recognised for consistently providing expert legal advice to a diverse range of high net-worth clients.
With a desire to help his clients navigate complex legal matters, Clive focuses on areas such as estate planning, inheritance tax planning, protecting assets, and advising on international estates.
Clive's dedication to his clients, combined with his commercial acumen, empathy, and dependability, sets him apart in his field. His clients can rely on his extensive knowledge and his ability to provide clear, efficient, and innovative solutions to their legal challenges.
Specialisations and Personal Achievements
Clive is an active member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has completed additional qualifications that demonstrate his expertise in advising on wills and trusts. He excels in providing comprehensive advice on tax planning, wealth preservation, and asset protection for future generations. Clive is also dedicated to assisting vulnerable individuals and supporting charitable aims, both during their lifetime and after they have died.
Due to his in-depth knowledge and experience, Clive is a sought-after speaker at seminars concerning wills, trusts and tax. As a Notary Public, he is authorised to execute international wills and possesses extensive international contacts.
Throughout his career, Clive has handled numerous cases involving holiday homes, particularly in France, Spain, Italy, and the US. He has also worked on an increasing array of international matters involving multi-jurisdictional issues (which involves assisting clients with the production of Spanish Wills). With many of his clients being business owners, Clive is equipped to advise on related matters, including business property relief and protecting voting rates.
Clive's clientele predominantly consists of high net-worth private clients, charities and trusts. His reputation as a Court of Protection Deputy in Chester continues to grow, and he receives referrals from a wide geographical area.
Recent Work Examples
- Advised client to make strategic gifts to minimise the potential capital gains tax bill.
- Acted for a client in respect of a ‘give and share’ of her property as part of her Inheritance Tax planning, following the client’s wish to gift part of this value whilst remaining in occupation.
- Advised a client on the establishment of a nil rate band discretionary trust for their estate, to achieve the most tax efficient outcome.
- Managing a charitable trust that has been adapted to provide a house and financial help to Ukrainian refugees living in the UK.
- Wills for ultra-high net worth business owners with an estate comprised of property and various business interests, of which they are a majority shareholder. Clive advised on various specific legacies of their business interests, taking into account the client’s particular business holdings and wishes, to maximise the availability of business property tax relief.
Noteworthy Work and Philanthropy
In addition to his legal practice, Clive is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and heritage initiatives that benefit communities in both Cheshire and Shropshire. He serves as the Chairman of the Tyrer Charitable Trust, the Gwynne-Jones Charitable Trust and Couch Charitable Trust, and has been a trustee of the historic Chester Municipal Charities. Furthermore, Clive has been a long term supporter of both Storyhouse and the Grosvenor Museum. The significant annual support of Storyhouse commenced before the theatre existed, The Grosvenor Museum contains a large range of items donated, on long term loan, repaired or prepared for exhibition by the various charities and trusts Clive serves on.