Alexa Payet

Overview

I am a Partner in the Disputed Wills & Estates team.

I am a specialist trusts and estates litigator, with particular expertise in disputes focusing on trust and probate claims. I act for a wide range of clients based nationally and internationally, including beneficiaries, trustees, personal representatives, and charities.

I frequently advise on high value and/or complex probate and estate disputes, including invalidity claims, capacity and construction issues, and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

I advise in a broad range of trust related actions, including trustee-beneficiary disputes and applications for the removal of trustees.

I also advise families regarding the potential financial consequences of assisted suicide and applications for relief from forfeiture under the Forfeiture Act 1982 and have acted in for the successful Claimants in the landmark decisions in Ninian v Findlay [2019] EWHC 297 (Ch) and Morris v Morris [2024] EWHC 2554 (Ch).

I have extensive experience in contentious Court of Protection matters. My practice focuses on complex finance and property matters in the UK, including the appointment and removal of deputies and attorneys, statutory will applications, lifetime gifting and property and affairs disputes. I am passionate about protecting vulnerable individuals from becoming victims of financial abuse.

I also help oversee matters in which Michelmores Trust Corporation Limited is appointed to act as deputy and/or trustee for patients of the Court of Protection.

I am sensitive to the needs of my clients and always strive to marry high-quality and pragmatic legal advice with a thoughtful and personable manner.

I am a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists, a full member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, an Affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and a qualified solicitor advocate (civil proceedings).

Recent experience

Acting for the successful Claimant in Ninian v Findlay [2019] EWHC 297 (Ch) in connection with an application under the Forfeiture Act 1982 for relief against the effects of forfeiture in relation to the interest which passed to her in consequence of her husband’s death, including the provision he had made for her in his will. The matter was highly sensitive and complex and was the first reported case of its type

Acting for the successful Claimant and the First and Second Defendants in Morris v Morris & Others [2024] EWHC 2554 (Ch) which is the second landmark decision in a relief from forfeiture application concerning an assisted dying case

Applying for the removal and replacement of executors under section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 following a breakdown in their relationship

Acting for an executor and beneficiary in connection with a high value estate and defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975

Advising a client in connection with a proprietary dispute involving constructive trust and proprietary estoppel claims and financial abuse

Acting as litigation friend for a vulnerable client in the Court of Protection in connection with an application made by a family member regarding the client’s lasting powers of attorney

Successfully negotiating a settlement of a spouse’s claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975

Acting for a respondent to a statutory will application involving a complex estate and strained family dynamic

Acting in a complex application regarding the cancellation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and the appointment of a deputy for property and affairs and health and welfare

Acting for clients in connection with an application for domestic recognition of foreign enduring powers of attorney in England and Wales

Featured commentary and insights: A collection of Alexa’s published works

Alexa Payet is a distinguished legal expert in the field of assisted dying, renowned for her extensive knowledge and contributions to the legal landscape surrounding end-of-life choices. As one of the few experts in this complex area, Alexa has been involved in numerous influential articles that examine the intersection of law, ethics, and medical practice in assisted dying.

Assisted suicide: Legal and financial implications in the UK | Today’s Wills and Probate

Edward Fennell’s LEGAL DIARY | The Legal Diary

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: U-turn on judges’ role ’cause for concern’ | Law Gazette

What are the financial implications around assisted dying? | FTAdviser

Cost of assisted dying ‘could be tens of thousands of pounds’ per person | Sky News

Edward Fennell’s LEGAL DIARY – The Legal Diary

Assisted dying bill’s progress inspires conflicting reactions in UK lawyers | Canadian Lawyer

Assisted dying bill’s progress inspires conflicting reactions in UK lawyers | NZ Lawyer

Lawyers react to assisted dying bill passing crucial House of Commons vote | Law Gazette

Assisted dying vote: 5 women reveal what it means to them | Woman & Home

Assisted Dying Bill: Financial implications must not be forgotten in debate | Law Gazette

Edward Fennell’s LEGAL DIARY | The Legal Diary

Court approval added to assisted dying bill | Opinion | Law Gazette

Assisted dying – by Joshua Rozenberg | A Lawyer Writes

Assisted dying Bill introduced to UK House of Lords | STEP

Edward Fennell’s LEGAL DIARY | The Legal Diary

House of Lords to debate assisted dying law reform | Today’s Wills and Probate

House of Lords to debate assisted dying law with financial consequences in focus | Solicitors Journal

Assisted dying debate overlooks broader consequences for families | The Times

Introducing the winter 2025 edition of Entitlement | Title Research