Get to know...

“Sian Lias makes discussions very easy; she is knowledgeable, straightforward and great at explaining things” – The Legal 500, Recommended Lawyer and Rising Star, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Most recently, she earned recognition as a Next Generation Lawyer in Legal 500 2026 rankings.

Sian advises on all aspects of Wills and Probate including Will drafting, inheritance tax planning and estate administration of both taxable and non-taxable estates.  In addition she deals with the creation and administration of Trusts, and the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Sian has a down to earth yet professional approach and is commended for her personable yet professional manner by clients.

Sian completed the STEP diploma exams in 2017 with distinction and is a full member of STEP (Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners). Sian is also a member of the Law Society Private Client Section and a full Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.

Work highlights:

  • Advising in connection with an estate where the deceased had a domicile of choice outside of England and Wales including submission of a claim for Business Property Relief in respect of English property owned by the deceased’s offshore company.
  • Preparing tax efficient Wills for husband and wife with net worth of approx. £11.5million.
  • Advising client on tax implications of previous lifetime gifts and the “backward shadowing” rules in respect of lifetime estate planning and creation of lifetime settlements.
  • Advising high net worth individual owning land and business interests on estate and tax planning affairs including drafting of discretionary trust and complex supporting Letter of Wishes.
  • Administering intestate estate including the drafting of Deed of Variation to bring equality throughout the family in line with the family’s wishes.

 

News
Family Court Fees Increasing from 13 July 2026: Act Now to Avoid Higher Costs
Family Court Fees Increasing from 13 July 2026: Act Now to Avoid Higher Costs

Following our recent article on probate fee increases further court fee changes are set to affect families across England and Wales this summer. Individuals considering divorce, financi ...

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New Reforms Could Change Everything About How We Buy Our Homes
New Reforms Could Change Everything About How We Buy Our Homes

Phillips Law welcomes Government Reforms to end gazumping as house offers to be made legally binding in UK  Phillips Law welcomes the government proposed reforms for the home buying and ...

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Probate Fees Set To Increase
Probate Fees Set To Increase

Families and Executors applying for probate later this year will face a significant increase in court fees. The government has announced an increase in probate fees, due to take effect ...

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Junior Lawyer of the Year Win at the Hampshire Law Awards
Junior Lawyer of the Year Win at the Hampshire Law Awards

Phillips Law are celebrating a highly successful night at the annual Hampshire Law Society Awards, bringing home multiple accolades, including the prestigious ‘Junior Lawyer of th ...

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Phillips Law’s 40-Hour Treadmill Challenge
Phillips Law’s 40-Hour Treadmill Challenge

We’re excited to announce that the Phillips Law team in Basingstoke will be taking on a 40-hour treadmill challenge. This event will start on Thursday, 4th June. It’s all about coming t ...

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Navigating the Renters’ Rights Act: A Landlord’s Final Checklist
Navigating the Renters’ Rights Act: A Landlord’s Final Checklist

The Renters’ Rights Act is set to fundamentally reshape the private rental sector. These reforms introduce strict new rules on property management and tenant interaction, making it vita ...

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