Charles Holbech Counsel
Probate Solicitors
Charles Holbech Counsel
Lincoln's Inn, London
# Charles Holbech Counsel
Charles Holbech Counsel is a specialist legal practice based in London focused on complex matters at the intersection of trusts, tax, and succession law. The practice serves high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and their advisers who face intricate legal and tax planning challenges.
The firm specialises in analysing and advising on circumstances where voluntary dispositions—such as gifts to trusts or exercises of discretionary powers—may have adverse tax consequences that warrant legal remedies. A particular strength lies in advising on rescission of transactions under the principles established in *Pitt v Holt*, helping clients unwind gifts or other arrangements where mistakes regarding tax implications have occurred, with potential recovery of inheritance tax already paid.
Beyond dispute resolution and remedial advice, the practice addresses substantive trust law matters, including the rights of discretionary beneficiaries under trust instruments and the application of the beneficiary principle. The firm also advises on will drafting strategies, including sophisticated techniques such as no contest clauses designed to work within the framework of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
What sets Charles Holbech Counsel apart is the depth of technical expertise demonstrated through published academic work and detailed analysis of cutting-edge case law. Rather than offering generalist services, the practice tackles high-complexity inheritance and trust matters requiring specialist knowledge, making it particularly valuable for clients navigating legally or tax-technically challenging situations where mistakes have occurred or careful forward planning is essential.
Charles Holbech Counsel is a specialist legal practice based in London focused on complex matters at the intersection of trusts, tax, and succession law. The practice serves high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and their advisers who face intricate legal and tax planning challenges.
The firm specialises in analysing and advising on circumstances where voluntary dispositions—such as gifts to trusts or exercises of discretionary powers—may have adverse tax consequences that warrant legal remedies. A particular strength lies in advising on rescission of transactions under the principles established in *Pitt v Holt*, helping clients unwind gifts or other arrangements where mistakes regarding tax implications have occurred, with potential recovery of inheritance tax already paid.
Beyond dispute resolution and remedial advice, the practice addresses substantive trust law matters, including the rights of discretionary beneficiaries under trust instruments and the application of the beneficiary principle. The firm also advises on will drafting strategies, including sophisticated techniques such as no contest clauses designed to work within the framework of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
What sets Charles Holbech Counsel apart is the depth of technical expertise demonstrated through published academic work and detailed analysis of cutting-edge case law. Rather than offering generalist services, the practice tackles high-complexity inheritance and trust matters requiring specialist knowledge, making it particularly valuable for clients navigating legally or tax-technically challenging situations where mistakes have occurred or careful forward planning is essential.
Services offered
Tax mitigation advice on voluntary dispositionsRescission of gifts and trustsInheritance tax planningDiscretionary trust administrationWill drafting and no contest clausesBeneficiary rights adviceTrust law disputesTax consequences analysis