Introducing Melissa Howman
Melissa Howman (formerly known as Melissa Hamilton) is Solicitor at Spall Clark Solicitors, a boutique private client practice based in Congleton, Cheshire regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. She has a particular focus on probate and estate administration.
Having grown up in Weaverham Cheshire, Melissa has strong ties to the Mid‑Cheshire area. Melissa went on to study Law at the University of Liverpool and then completed the Legal Practice Course part-time at the University of Law (Chester) while training as a solicitor at a firm in Northwich. Melissa qualified at this firm and stayed there for a number of years advising clients across Northwich, Winsford and the wider Mid‑Cheshire area before joining Spall Clark Solicitors in July 2025.
Melissa has worked in the legal profession for over 11 years and brings a broad base of experience across Private Client, Litigation, Employment Law, and Landlord and Tenant matters. This wider background informs her practical, solution-focused approach to probate and estate administration.
Professional Recognition
Melissa is an accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) and an Affiliate Member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), where she is currently working towards full membership. She is also a Dementia Friend with the Alzheimer’s Society, reflecting her commitment to supporting vulnerable clients with sensitivity and understanding.
Awards
Melissa was shortlisted for Probate Lawyer of the Year at the Probate Industry Awards 2026 recognising her growing reputation within the private client field for handling complex estate matters with precision and care. She was part of the team when Spall Clark received ‘Highly Commended’ in the Probate Law Firm of the Year: Boutique category at the same awards.
“Melissa helped me put together my will and made what could have been a daunting process feel straightforward and stress free
Client Feedback
Private Client Expertise
Melissa advises clients on all aspects of probate and estate administration, from straightforward estates to complex and cross-border matters. She regularly assists non-domiciled and non-resident individuals, as well as UK clients with overseas assets and has experience dealing with estates spanning multiple jurisdictions, including France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and South Africa.
By working closely with international lawyers and tax advisers, Melissa helps ensure estates are administered efficiently while navigating differing succession laws and tax regimes. Her work is distinguished by her ability to bring structure and clarity to complex estates, particularly those involving international elements.
Areas of expertise
Melissa advises on a broad range of private client matters, with a particular focus on probate and estate administration, including:
- Complex probate and estate administration
- Cross-border and international estates
- Inheritance Tax planning and reporting
- Wills and estate planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Executor and trustee advice
- Advising elderly and vulnerable clients
Case Highlights
- Grant of Probate application involving England and a European jurisdiction
- Acting for neurodivergent clients regarding Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Acting for UK resident and French resident clients with assets in France and England.
- Estate planning for a married couple with an estate circa £2m including Benham estate calculations
- Deeds of Variation for assets situated in Australia
- Cross border estate planning for a HNW client with assets in three jurisdictions.
“Melissa has been approachable and understanding at this difficult time. She explained the process clearly and kept me up to date every step of the way. She responded to queries quickly and effectively.”
Client Feedback
Working with other professionals
Melissa regularly works with other professionals, particularly in matters relating vulnerable people on matters where issues such as mental capacity may arise.
“I have worked with Melissa on several cases where mental capacity was in question. I was impressed with the attention to detail and in particular identifying the specific issues relevant to the individuals involved which required further exploration and assessment. Both cases involved individuals who presented well but had specific impairments raising the question of capacity. Melissa’s intricate knowledge, setting out the issues, and instructions were very helpful and clear.”
Dr Faisal Parvez
Consultant Psychiatrist and Special Medical Visitor to the OPG/COP
Supporting the Cheshire Community
Melissa believes that supporting people extends beyond providing legal advice and continually goes beyond her role as a probate solicitor by championing initiatives that enhance the firm, the profession, and her local community.
The East Cheshire Hospice legal advice clinic is run by Melissa on a rota basis, where she offers her time and expertise in a voluntary capacity. Terminally ill patients and their families come to discuss their Wills and for probate support and advice. Working closely with hospice teams and families, ensures the legal process is handled smoothly and respectfully.
Within Spall Clark, Melissa also contributes to initiatives that improve accessibility and inclusion for clients, including introducing practical measures to better support older and vulnerable individuals.
Mentoring
Melissa has attended school career fairs to discuss barriers to the profession with the future generation of legal professionals.
More recently, Melissa was approved as a mentor with the LFC Foundation, where she supports a mentee by helping them explore career pathways, build confidence, set personal goals and develop their professional network.
Interview: In conversation with Melissa Howman
Becoming a solicitor
Q: Tell about your journey to becoming a solicitor
My journey into law was far from conventional. As a young parent, I faced significant challenges that could easily have derailed my ambitions but I was determined to achieve my goal. I completed the Legal Practice Course part-time on weekends while working full-time as a paralegal and later as a trainee solicitor during the week. Balancing work, study, and family life demanded resilience, discipline, and determination which shaped the solicitor I am today.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy being able to make a genuine difference to people’s lives. Clients often come to me during some of the most challenging times they will ever face, and I find it incredibly rewarding to guide them through the legal process with clear advice, practical support, and compassion.
Working as a solicitor in Cheshire
Q: What types of clients do you typically work with?
I primarily work with private client individuals and families. My work involves supporting elderly and vulnerable clients with matters such as wills, lasting powers of attorney, estate administration, and succession planning. I also advise families at all stages of life, whether they are planning for the future, navigating the loss of a loved one, or dealing with complex estate matters.
Q: What can clients expect when working with you?
Clients can expect a friendly, approachable, and compassionate service from the very first meeting. I understand that legal matters can often feel overwhelming, so I take the time to listen, understand each client’s individual circumstances, and explain their options in clear, straightforward language. Every client is different, which is why I provide practical, tailored advice that reflects their personal needs, goals, and priorities. My aim is to ensure clients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the process, knowing they have someone they can trust to guide them every step of the way.
Q: Do you offer home visits?
I offer home visits across Northwich, Winsford, and the surrounding areas, as well as throughout the wider Cheshire area served by our Congleton office.
Supporting the community
Q: How does your work connect and support the community?
I volunteer at the East Cheshire Hospice legal advice clinic, providing advice and support to terminally ill patients and their families. I regularly attend school careers events to encourage and inspire aspiring legal professionals. I am also an approved mentor with the LFC Foundation, where I support individuals in building confidence, exploring career opportunities, and achieving their goals.
What Clients Say About Melissa Howman
- Melissa provided excellent advice and was very professional and welcoming.
- I found Melissa to be very knowledgeable when giving advice on will writing. Her polite, professional and pleasant manner convinced me I had made the right choice by choosing Spall Clark Solicitors.
- Excellent, timely and helpful advice and work so far. And at my home, too. Strongly recommended! A pleasure to work with.
- The service we experienced was very friendly & welcoming. Melissa explained things clearly & covered a number of scenarios so that we could make an informed decision.
- I found Melissa to be very knowledgeable when giving advice on will writing
Book an appointment with Melissa Howman
If you need advice on probate, wills or estate planning in Northwich, Winsford or the surrounding areas, you can speak directly with Melissa Howman.
To book a free initial consultation, please call us on 01260 769 639. Melissa will be happy to meet you at our Congleton office or in your own home in Cheshire including Winsford and Northwich. Alternatively, meetings can be carried out online (e.g. via Teams).
