Janet Harvey

Solicitor - Senior Lawyer

SRA ID: 316246

Janet is a senior lawyer in Debenhams Ottaway’s private client team and has over 15 years’ experience in private client work. Janet advises on all aspects of Wills, probate, tax planning and estate administration, she specialises in complex and high value estates, many with cross border property and non-property assets. Having worked for several years in oil and gas exploration and run her own business for 15 years, Janet has a practical and straightforward approach. Her background in commerce is particularly valuable when working with clients with significant business interests. Janet is known for having a friendly and approachable manner. Janet’s clients are drawn from a wide area. As a long term local resident, many are from St Albans. She handles the administration of estates of all sizes, from ‘probate only’ applications for small estates, through to complex estates with a range of assets in excess of £5million, often with an international element. She has built up a strong network of legal contacts in other jurisdictions. Janet regularly negotiates with HMRC on tax matters. Janet also drafts Wills for clients with varied family situations and the self-employed. She is experienced in enduring powers of attorney, lasting powers of attorney, care of the elderly, safeguarding vulnerable adults and nursing home fees. Janet studied Geography at the London Guildhall University, before completing the Common Professional Examination conversion to Law. Janet qualified as solicitor and joined Debenhams Ottaway in 2003. Janet is a member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society.