Claire Austen

Managing associate

Claire Austen

Managing associate

Email Claire

+44 (0)1483 791835

Guildford

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Claire Austen is a senior associate (FCILEx) in the private client and tax team based in the Guildford office. She has experience of a wide range of complex private client work with particular expertise in estate administration, both where the deceased has left a will and on an intestacy.

She provides advice on ways to mitigate inheritance tax liabilities through post-death restructuring of an estate and the use of will trusts. Claire assists clients regarding the preparation of wills, inheritance tax planning, the preparation of lasting powers of attorney, the registration of enduring powers of attorney, acting as an attorney under a power of attorney, and the creation and administration of trusts. Claire also advises overseas clients with assets in the UK, including the preparation of wills relating to UK assets and the administration of UK estates after death.

I am an experienced and approachable private client lawyer who advises clients on their succession needs by providing ‘real world’ and cost-effective solutions to their evolving legal requirements. I enjoy getting to know my clients well so that I can then tailor my advice to their particular needs.

Claire Austen, Managing associate

She joined the firm in 1993 and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2001. During her time with the firm, Claire has established and nurtured ongoing long-term relationships with clients.

Recent work highlights

Administration of large estates

Dealing with the substantial assets both in the UK and in overseas jurisdictions including advice on the availability of business and/or agricultural property relief. Also liaising with overseas advisors on succession and taxation issues and advice on post-death restructuring of an estate to mitigate an inheritance tax liability.

Inheritance tax mitigation

Advising clients and negotiating with HMRC to mitigate substantial inheritance tax liabilities including date of death valuations of property and personal chattels, and possible lifetime gifts where HMRC are seeking to impose additional inheritance tax.

Capital gains tax mitigation

Advising clients following an increase in the value of assets held within an estate, including the distribution of the asset between beneficiaries to ensure that the beneficiaries’ annual allowances can be offset against any gain.

Appointment of attorneys

Advising family members regarding the circumstances in which a replacement attorney under a lasting power of attorney (LPA) can take over acting on the donor’s behalf.

What people are saying

The team at Penningtons is always a pleasure to deal with. They have great work, which they conduct with an impressive balance of skill, professionalism and insight.

Legal 500

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