Richard Cussell

I have been a solicitor since 1987 and a partner at Chubb Bulleid since 1992. I lead our Private Client team. Over the years I have been privileged to help many Somerset families, the farming community and business people as they plan ahead or sort out an estate after a death.

What matters most to me is communication: explaining things clearly and calmly, so people leave feeling reassured rather than baffled.

What I do

I work with individuals and families on planning for later life and on what happens after someone dies. Most of my work falls under wills, trusts, tax planning, probate and lasting powers of attorney. The particular emphasis has been on tax planning – saving Inheritance tax being paid unnecessarily through Trusts and Wills. I help people put a will in place that does what they actually want, set up trusts where they’re useful, and plan for inheritance tax and capital gains tax so that more of what someone has built stays with their family. When a person has died, I ensure that my team of probate experts are on hand to guide executors and families through probate and administering the estate, which can feel overwhelming at a hard time.

I have also spent parts of my career dealing with residential and commercial property, so I understand how property fits into the wider picture of someone’s affairs.

A bit more about me

What do you do when you’re not in the office?

Family is the centre of everything, and with five children and eight grandchildren so far, the house is rarely quiet. Beyond that, you’ll find me on a golf course, at the rugby, or out in our Motor Home. Angela and I bought a VW camper van some years ago but have recently upgraded to the comforts of a Motor Home. We have already had many adventures through Europe.

What’s something clients might be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve been part of the local Rotary Club for more than 30 years, and it’s taken me further than I ever expected. Through it I have travelled to Nepal to help build a health centre, and cycled with Angela from Wells Cathedral to Notre Dame Cathedral, and later to Durham, raising money for defibrillators in Wells among other things.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Helping someone feel settled about the future. A lot of what I do involves decisions people find daunting, and there is a real satisfaction in taking that weight off them.