Alexa Payet

Experience

• Recent work
  • 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 was the second landmark decision in a relief from forfeiture application concerning an assisted dying case.
  • Acting for the residuary beneficiaries in the case of David Peace (unreported) (2025) following Mr Peace’s assisted death at Dignitas. The case attracted significant attention in the legal press.
  • 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.
• Qualifications and recognition

  Alexa was ranked in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 list in 2025 as one of the UK’s top 100 lawyers for her expertise in the financial aspects of assisted dying.

  Alexa is described as “the most experienced solicitor in the country in this area of the law” (John Critchley, Head of Chambers, Field Court Chambers).

  “Alexa has helped shape the modern law on applications for relief against forfeiture. She has had conduct of the litigation in the leading decisions. There is nobody more experienced in guiding families through these challenging applications.” (Toby Bishop, 5 Stone Buildings)

  Alexa is a full member of member of ConTrA, the Contentious Trusts Association, ACTAPS,  the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists, The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, an Affiliate member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and a qualified solicitor advocate (civil proceedings).