Biography
I am a Senior Associate working from the Newbury and Reading offices, advising on wills, probates, inheritance and capital gains tax, and trust structures. I help families plan for the future, providing peace of mind with estate planning, asset protection and tax planning.
I have a particular interest in helping individuals cope with loss of mental capacity or plan for a time when they may be unable to take decisions for themselves. This involves preparing and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney, making applications to the Court of Protection to appoint deputies, or to enable attorneys and deputies undertake tax planning. I also advise attorneys and deputies on their duties and responsibilities to ensure that they comply with their statutory obligations so they do not leave themselves open to claims.
I take a rounded approach to helping families manage their legal affairs, working with financial advisors, wealth managers and accountants. This ensures I can offer advice that is most suitable and ‘joined-up’ for them.
Prior to specialising in this area of law I worked in Personal Injury dispute resolution, which serves me well in bringing cases before the Court of Protection to assist families to put in place asset management and tax planning strategies for individuals who are no longer able to manage their affairs.
I am a member of the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends initiative and an active senior member of the West Berkshire Dementia Action Alliance helping to make West Berkshire more dementia friendly.
Testimonials
"Stewart Stretton Hill has a brilliant legal mind, is personable and dedicated to protecting the best interests of vulnerable clients. A committee member of the local branch of Solicitors for the Elderly." - Legal 500, 2023
"Stewart Stretton-Hill – outstanding legal knowledge and a proactive collaborator with other experts to ensure not only the legal protection but also the well-being of his elderly clients. The team is responsive and has managed the challenges of Covid-19 restrictions extremely well." - Legal 500, 2022
"Recommended for mental incapacity and Court of Protection work." - Legal 500, 2020
Publications
Law Society - Elderly Client Handbook, 5th Edition
I qualified as a solicitor in 2000.
