Marie is a Solicitor based at our Ripon Office who specialises in Wills, Probate and Trust Administration. Having been admitted as a solicitor in August 1998, Marie is a member of the Probate Section of the Law Society, and became a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) in 2011. She obtained a First Class Honours Degree in law from Leeds Metropolitan University in 1995 and a distinction in the Legal Practice Course from the College of Law in York in 1996. Marie then began her legal career at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors in West Yorkshire, initially dealing with Matrimonial work, Wills and Probate. After deciding to specialise in Private Client work, she moved to Bywaters Topham Phillips in Wetherby and in 2001 became a Partner. In 2004, Marie joined the firm of Wrigleys in Leeds and later, following maternity leave, re-joined Bywaters on a part time basis.

Marie has a wealth of experience dealing with the administration of high value trusts, estates with complex tax issues, and with all aspects of lifetime tax planning and will drafting.

Marie has a particular speciality in trust work – she advises clients who need to set up trusts for asset protection and tax mitigation during their lifetime and also sets up discretionary trusts in wills to assist with complicated family setups including extended families and step families. Marie will provide advice on the complex tax implications which result from trust arrangements, assisting the Trustees to follow the rules on investment and distribution of assets from capital and income and to meet their ongoing duties and obligations. Marie often also provides advice on setting up trusts to help those with modest wealth because of their asset protection potential and particularly when looking after the long-term needs of disabled children or other vulnerable beneficiaries.

Marie is married with two daughters and in her spare time enjoys teaching yoga and spending time with her two dachshunds Dottie and Rosie.