Probate solicitors

Heather Gaunt - Consultant Solicitor

Heather is a consultant solicitor working with wills probate and trust department. Her proven track record of over 20 years within the Private  Client sector highlights Heather’s expertise and enthusiasm within this ever changing and complex area of law.

With a friendly but experienced and professional approach Heather has worked with a range of businesses and clients to draft wills give advice relating to probate services and the Court of Protection prepare powers of attorney and resolve estate planning issues.

In her spare time Heather enjoys swimming, walking her lively labrador and playing the flute in a local orchestra.

Sharlene Reid - Associate Director, Head of Wills and Probate, Digital Asset Specialist, Solicitor

Sharlene is a solicitor and Head of the Wills and Probate department. Sharlene qualified as a solicitor 2012 at a law firm in London after graduating from London Metropolitan University with an L.L.B honours degree and LPC at Inns of Court School of Law. She has spent many years working in London firms dealing with all matters relating to private client work including but not limited to Wills, Probate, LPA’s and Court Of Protection matters before transitioning to Cheshire. Sharlene has extensive experience in her field and is known for providing sound and clear advice, ensuring that her clients achieve the best outcome for their circumstances. Sharlene takes a modern yet sensitive approach with her clients paying close attention to her clients needs by working collaboratively with them in order to achieve their goals in the best way possible. In her spare time Sharlene enjoys travel, reading, listening to music and learning Arabic. [page-testimonial-slider category="sharlene-reid"]

Philip Hartley - Senior Solicitor and Agricultural Specialist

Philip graduated from Staffordshire University with an LL.B. honours degree and LPC in 2006.  He qualified as a solicitor after completing his training contract with a firm of solicitors in Staffordshire two years later. Philip specialises in the administration of estates and also advises in relation to the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Philip enjoyed a successful career working as a software developer on IBM mid-range computer systems.  He had an ambition to enter the legal profession and completed all of his legal qualifications on a part-time evening basis.  He left his IT career when offered a training contract to qualify as a solicitor.

Philip enjoy walking, singing in a church choir and being part of an amateur dramatics society.

Julie Foundation - Legal Executive

Julie began work in general practice in the 1980s and has many years of experience/knowledge. Julie became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Legal Executives in 1994. Historically Julie has practiced family law, conveyancing and some commercial work but over the latter years has concentrated on Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Estate Planning, and some Court of Protection and Trust work. Julie is also an Affiliate Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) having gained Advanced Certificate qualification in both Administration of Estates and Administration of Trusts. Outside work Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, ceroc dancing (modern jive), badminton, horse riding and tinkering on the piano..     [page-testimonial-slider category="julie-foundation"]

Eden Fox - Solicitor

Eden joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2024 after undertaking a Law degree at the University of Derby, graduating with a First Class Honours degree in 2021. She then went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University, where she was awarded the Prize for Best Overall Performance.

Eden is a member of our Wills and Probate Department and also has experience in Conveyancing and Litigation. Eden soon became a Trainee Solicitor at Thorneycroft Solicitors and qualified as a Solicitor on 1 August 2026.

Having developed a strong foundation in Wills and Probate, Eden is committed to providing clear, compassionate and practical legal advice to individuals and families during life’s most important moments and she takes pride in offering a supportive and approachable service throughout the process.