Making a Will: Who will inherit if you don’t decide?
Have you thought about what would happen to your assets if you died without a Will? It’s a difficult topic
Biography
I am a partner in our private client department and based in our Cambridge office. I advise individuals, families and business owners on a broad range of matters, including:
- Estate administration
- The creation and administration of trusts
- Estate and succession planning
- Powers of attorney
- Wills
I regularly work with our agricultural clients, collaborating closely with colleagues in our property and corporate teams, as well as with both internal and external accounts, to provide joined-up, practical advice.
I am a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association, a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a member of The Law Society’s Private Client and Estates Member Advisory Committee.
Delivering what you really need
Planning for the future is not always straightforward, particularly when considering later life or unforeseen circumstances. I take the time to understand your priorities, anticipate potential issues and provide clear, tailored advice to help you move forward with confidence.
I will keep you regularly informed at every stage of your matter and aim to deliver an efficient, approachable service focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Where needed, I work closely with colleagues across the firm to provide seamless support in related areas, such as contested probate, family and matrimonial matters and all aspects of residential property, including sales, purchases and transfers of ownership.
Expertise
Chris Claxton-Shirley was always available to answer questions, including at face-to-face meetings, and I felt the advice provided was good.
Awards and accreditations
Further information
I am a committee member of the Law Society’s Private Client Solicitors section. The Law Society is the body that represents solicitors, and being a member of this committee allows me to steer the future strategy of the section and offer support to my colleagues across the country.
I am a scrutiniser for the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives for their examination material relevant to Private Client law.
I studied French and Spanish at King’s College London before joining Tees in September 2016 and completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice course in 2018. I have a Masters in Professional Legal Practice. I have completed a diploma in trusts and estates (awarded with distinction) through the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). STEP members are internationally recognised as experts in their fields.
Testimonials
“Chris Claxton-Shirley is wonderfully well-mannered, has a sharp intellect, incisive and very sensible about what and what is not relevant. Very quick at getting back to you.” Legal 500 UK, 2025
“I have appreciated the prompt, personal service and clear explanations that Chris Claxton-Shirley has provided at each step of the process of handling my parents’ estates.” Legal 500 UK, 2025
“I have dealt with Chris Claxton-Shirley over nearly a three-year period. He has shown me kindness, empathy and support during a very traumatic period. He has guided me through the process of probate and Wills. He was always happy to explain and re explain the process, showing very good communication skills. I would definitely work with Chris again should the need arise.” Legal 500 UK, 2025
“I have worked with Chris Claxton-Shirley on two matters recently. He has been very good at treading a careful line in a complex estate matter. He has always been easy to reach and to discuss the various legal aspects of the case with.” Legal 500 UK, 2025
Articles from Chris
What to do if you’ve been appointed as a Trustee
Have you been named as a trustee? It’s completely normal to have questions about what the role involves. Our experienced
Featured news and insights
3 December 2025
Christmas is known as the season of giving. What better way to spread joy this festive season than by giving gifts? These gifts can...
10 September 2025
Many clients have inquired about the recent Budget announcements and how the changes to pensions will impact inheritance tax (IHT). At the moment, if...
8 September 2025
When you build up a money purchase pension, you’re not just planning for your own retirement, you’re also creating a fund that could help...
20 August 2025
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill (“the Bill”) is a proposed piece of legislation currently making its way through Parliament. If passed,...
26 June 2025
Have you thought about what would happen to your assets if you died without a Will? It’s a difficult topic to consider, but putting...
14 April 2025
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer...
24 March 2025
Frances Macdonald, Senior Associate at Tees, outlines key steps you can take—supported by your solicitor—to reduce the risk of abuse when setting up a...
14 March 2025
Have you been named as a trustee? It’s completely normal to have questions about what the role involves. Our experienced trusts solicitors have answered...
10 May 2024
The Spring Budget 2023 laid out several changes to income taxation for low-income trusts and estates. Read on to learn how this may affect...
4 August 2022
The question of how to structure your will is a complex one involving consideration of a range of different factors. Married couples with significant...
2 August 2022
Trusts often get bad press, being portrayed by some as vehicles to help the super-rich to avoid tax. While trusts can legitimately save tax...
2 August 2022
People with assets that qualify for business property relief (BPR) or agricultural property relief (APR) can often save significant amounts of inheritance tax with...
