Demi Rutter

Demi Rutter - Trainee Solicitor South Shields PGS Law

Demi Rutter - Solicitor

I am a Solicitor within the Wills & Probate department having qualified in 2023.


Before discovering my passion for Private Client work, I worked for a firm in Durham dealing with an extensive and varied conveyancing caseload of sales, purchases, assents, transfers of equity & re-mortgages. Such experience has broadened my expertise and greatly assisted me with advising clients on all aspects of their Estate.


I am enthusiastic and dedicated to my work and I am favoured by clients for breaking down the legal process into simple terms to aid them in making well-informed decisions for their current and future circumstances. My aim is to build trusted relationships with my clients so that I can deliver a tailored service to suit their needs. I have received a great quantity of excellent reviews and most of my work is received by way of recommendation from existing clients of mine.


Outside of my work, I am a keen Netball player and play across a number of leagues. I also enjoy downtime in the Lake District, often subjecting my daughter to hiking on weekends, much to her dismay.


Within my role at PGS Law, I deal with various aspects of private client work as follows:-

 

 Private Client matters

  • Will drafting including Will Trusts such as Disabled Persons Trusts and Life interest Trusts;
  • Offer Succession & Tax planning assistance within Wills;
  • Preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney for both property & financial affairs and health & welfare decisions;
  • All aspects of Estate administration involving small Estates, intestate Estates and Estates with Tax liabilities;
  • I manage the Cancer Research UK Will-Writing Service all-year-round and with the help of my clients, we have managed to raise £1.2million for their charity through gifts made in Wills.


Contentious Wills & Probate matters

I advise both claimants and defendants on a variety of contentious probate matters, and currently have a caseload involving the following:-

  • Disputes relating to Will validity claims associated with capacity and undue influence;
  • Cases, on behalf of Executors, whereby a third party refuses to vacate Estate property (despite having no legal right to occupy) and such refusal delays the Estate Administration process;
  • Adult children & other relatives who wish to claim their inheritance in line with the Intestacy Rules (where there is an invalid Will);
  • Clients who are concerned as to a deceased testator’s capacity at the time of making their Will. I review solicitors’ files once a Larke v Nugus request has been made to determine potential professional negligence.
  • Mediation to resolve disputes involving the validity of Wills and successfully reach a settlement.


Alongside the above, I work closely with Tony Ward, partner & Head of our Litigation department, on cases involving Inheritance Act 1975 disputes.


I am eager to expand my Contentious Wills & Probate caseload and welcome new instructions. Should you have any concerns relating to a deceased’s Will or Estate or simply wish for legal guidance, please contact our office on 0191 456 0281 to arrange an initial advice meeting with me. 


Qualifications

I graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2019 with an LLB (Hons). I went on to complete my Masters in Law combined with the Legal Practice Course (LLM) in 2020. As part of my degree, I was a student advisor within the Sunderland Student Law Office, providing legal advice on family and employment matters.