A personal law solicitor from LCF Law’s Ilkley office has become one of only a few lawyers in the region to complete a prestigious qualification that enables her to advise clients who have assets in different countries, including holiday homes, on their succession plans and wills.
Ann Christian, who is a partner at LCF Law, has successfully passed the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates.
The globally recognised qualification gives legal professionals an in-depth knowledge of all types of international estate issues including inheritance, succession planning and property transfer rules across borders.
In addition to examining the differences between common law, civil law and Sharia law, as well as those that are hybrid, the qualification also covers a wide range of areas including the Private International Law of Succession, EU Succession Regulation, renvoi, property, tax considerations and the exchange of information.
Ann said:
“As a firm we’re increasingly working with clients who have international assets, investments, businesses and holiday homes abroad, and navigating other countries’ laws surrounding succession rights, joint assets, matrimonial property, wills and intestacy can be a hugely complex area.
“Having this qualification means we can deal more effectively with estate administration across multiple jurisdictions, because it significantly enhances our capability in an international arena, and across different legal systems. It’s a very in-depth course that took six months to complete, but there’s no doubt it will benefit both new and existing clients.”
Ann qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and has specialised in private client work ever since, helping people to plan for the future and protect their assets; and particularly with a view to tax and care home fee planning, as a member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. She also deals with estate administration, incapacity issues, will writing and advises on trusts.
Ann becomes LCF Law’s second solicitor to complete the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates after fellow partner, Amjed Zaman, who is based in the firm’s Bradford office, passed it in 2020.
Starbucks smaller advertising pole refused
Ilkley Carnival 2026 - a real celebration of community spirit
Ilkley law firm unveils new head of personal law
More Ilkley children to benefit from Fruit & Veg for Schools programme
Ilkley travel company proves biggest isn't always best!
Ilkley Pool and Lido group pauses fundraising
Countdown begins for 167th Great Yorkshire Show
Multi-million pound Kex Gill scheme enters final stages
Bookmark Project celebrates major milestone
Ilkley – a solar energy success story!
Plans for Addingham's most chaotic and hilarious day of the year
Former cop turned comedian returns to King's Hall
Clarke Foley announces ‘Wellbeing Month’ in May
Entries for Ilkley Triathlon 2026 open on Friday
Ilkley butcher brings home the bacon
Charity football match to return to honour teen
London Marathon success as local runners raise more than £10k for The Principle Trust
Ilkley charity’s volunteer wins special award
Ilkley Veterans Breakfast Club celebrates fourth anniversary
Countdown to Ilkley Carnival begins!
