03333 231 580
Contact us
Michael Derrick
Partner
Private Client
Michael’s practice focuses on estate administration, wills, trust administration and Court of Protection work.
With nearly 20 years’ experience Michael ensures that his clients, both new and returning, are given the best possible advice and service.
Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2004.
Michael works primarily in our Guildford office but also collaborates closely with colleagues in our other locations.
Michael’s approach to each client, particularly those who are dealing with stressful and sensitive matters, is to deliver advice in a way that calms their initial worries while ensuring that such advice achieves the client’s objectives.
Michael’s particular expertise is in the administration of both simple and complex estates, and of high value and intestate estates.
He also advises on and drafts wills (mirror wills, life interest wills and discretionary trust wills), inheritance tax planning, trust administration, powers of attorney (general, lasting and trustee), receivership applications and other Court of Protection applications.
Work highlights
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION AND IHT PLANNING
Administration of ultra-high value estate (£60 million +) including extensive investment and property portfolios and including urgent, and successful, application for Grant of Administration Ad Colligenda Bona to deal with the same.
INTESTATE ESTATE AND MIDDLE EAST ASSETS
Administration of high value intestate estate after the sudden and unexpected death of testator involving employment benefits and assets in the Middle East
SECOND MARRIAGE ASSET PROTECTION
Advising on new wills, IHT planning and asset protection in anticipation of second marriage including the use of a series of trusts
HISTORICAL INHERITANCE TAX CLAIM
Successfully claimed the transfer of Inheritance Tax Allowance from an estate where the late husband of the deceased died in 1946
CHARITABLE RESIDUARY ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Administered a high value estate with national Charities as Residuary Beneficiaries so as to include dealing with the requirements of s119 of the Charities Act
INTERNATIONAL TESTAMENTARY DISPOSITIONS
Advised clients on the formal requirements of the law applicable under the HCCH convention on the conflicts of laws relating to the form of testamentary dispositions 1961 (Hague Testamentary Dispositions Convention)
Services
Recent articles
Insights
Unlike a bequest in a Will, a deathbed gift does not require the same formalities. This flexibility can make them appealing - but it also makes them legally precarious.
10/03/2026
Insights
Probate is the commonly used word for the process of dealing with the affairs of someone after they die and winding up their estate.
19/01/2026
Insights
Michael Derrick explains the difference between a Deed of Appointment and a Deed of Advancement - an important thing to grasp for those involved in a trust
12/09/2024
Insights
Michael Derrick outlines what to consider when evaluating whether or not to grant authority to an attorney under a health and welfare LPA in relation to life sustaining treatment.
17/06/2024