William Kinread
Partner Probate, Wills and Trusts Unit
01423 566666
William.kinread@raworths.co.uk
Background
Born in Ripon
Education: Sedbergh School, Leeds University and Chester Law School
Previous Roles: Simpson Curtis (now Pinsent Masons), Hutchinson & Buchanan, Kinread Solicitors and Newtons.
Joined Raworths 2012
President of Harrogate & District Law Society 2011/2012
Governor of Ripon Grammar School Foundation
Honorary Secretary of The Ripon Club.
Legal Specialisation
William is a Partner within the Probate, Wills & Trusts Unit. William deals with all aspects of drafting Wills and Trusts, administering deceased estates and managing assets on behalf of Trusts. This may include obtaining planning permission to develop land and even managing the operation of a farm. William is also an experienced property lawyer dealing with the sale and purchase of agricultural and development land and prestige properties.
Experience
- The grant of an option for the sale of land for building purposes with a linked Overage Agreement.
- Obtaining planning permission to increase the value of assets within an estate.
- Handwriting a death bed Will for a large agricultural estate where the Testator died within hours.
- Managing Trust assets for disabled beneficiaries.
- Selling property/land by auction and negotiating with Trustees in Bankruptcy.
- Acting for a large estate left to charity.
- Acting for the same Trusts for several decades.
- Preparing simple Wills for clients who were unhappy with complicated provision.
- Advising on estates with overseas assets.
- Dealing with an agricultural estates where the Testator died intestate.
In Conversation
Why did you become a Solicitor?
I have a strong sense of fairness. I am not a litigator but I like to help people get the best result from their situation.
Why do you accept Trustee appointments?
Being asked to manage someone’s affairs after they have departed this world is a matter of trust and privilege. It is a responsibility I take very seriously.
What is the most moving case you have ever been involved with?
Acting on a double probate. Father and mother died within months of each other leaving teenage children. I had to take a paternalistic approach and this is why appointing the right guardians is so important.
What is the most interesting Trust you have been involved with?
Managing a farm and dealing with all the assets to maximise value.
What advice would you give someone making a Will?
You must be comfortable with it. A Will is about more than money and there is no point having a Discretionary Trust if it keeps you awake at night.
What other professional interests do you have?
I am interested in economics and history. I like to look at the bigger picture and advise clients accordingly.
Why did you join Raworths?
I created a successful business with Kinread Solicitors but the regulatory burden is becoming too heavy for smaller firms. I was attracted by Raworths’ reputation as the pre-eminent firm in Harrogate and I like having the support of colleagues with the same professional outlook. I can also offer clients the benefit of all the other services Raworths can offer.
