Trusts
Protect family wealth and control how assets are passed on
Trusts can play an important role in protecting family wealth, safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries and controlling how assets are managed across future generations. They are not just for the ultra-wealthy – they are often used to provide structure, protection and long-term security for families and dependants.
Whether you are protecting property, preserving inheritance, planning around tax exposure or safeguarding assets for children or vulnerable family members, trusts can provide greater long-term control over how wealth is managed and passed on.
Our Private Client team advises on the creation, structuring and ongoing administration of trusts, helping you balance flexibility, protection and long-term family interests while avoiding unnecessary complexity. For families with business interests, property portfolios and complex estates, trusts can also form part of wider succession and generational wealth planning through our fixed-fee Wealth & Governance Diagnostic. Learn more about Family Succession Planning.
Explore how trusts and succession planning can help protect your family’s long-term wealth and future legacy.
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Strategic legal advice designed to protect your wealth, family interests and long-term legacy through every stage of life.
Case Highlights
Family Conflict Put Financial Decisions at Risk
A client had appointed family members to manage her affairs, but due to conflict between them, no decisions could be made – putting her finances at risk. We stepped in, replaced the arrangements and ensured decisions could be made properly. Control was restored immediately, with professional oversight ensuring the client’s finances were managed in her best interests without conflict or delay.
Unexpected Tax Bill on £800k Estate
A family faced a significant inheritance tax bill after a relative passed away without a Will, meaning the estate would be split in a way that triggered unnecessary tax. We stepped in quickly and restructured how the estate was distributed after death. Over £160,000 in tax was saved, ensuring more of the estate passed to the family.
Family Business & Property Portfolio (Multi-Generational Structure)
A family with significant business and property interests had no defined succession structure, with control concentrated in one generation and no clear governance in place.
A structured review and implementation introduced clear ownership, governance and succession arrangements, ensuring continuity, reducing risk of dispute and providing a defined pathway for the next generation.
Estate Left Stuck With No One Able to Act
Following a series of deaths within the same family, no one had clear authority to manage the estates. Everything was effectively stuck – assets couldn’t be accessed and nothing could move forward. We identified who could legally step in and re-established control of both estates. The estates were brought back into order and progressed to completion, avoiding long-term delays and further complications for the family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A will ensures your estate passes to the people you choose and helps prevent delays or disputes after your death. Even modest estates benefit from clear instructions and proper legal drafting.
Their estate is distributed under intestacy rules, which often do not reflect personal wishes. For example, unmarried partners receive nothing automatically, and this can create significant financial and emotional hardship for families left behind.
Straightforward estates typically take three to six months. More complex estates – involving property, businesses, significant wealth or overseas assets – may take six to eighteen months depending on the complexity and the Probate Registry’s timescales.
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. This can cover financial matters, property, health decisions and personal welfare. Having an LPA in place avoids complications for loved ones later.
Yes. Trusts involve complex legal and tax considerations. Expert drafting ensures the trust is compliant, suitable for your goals, and structured in a way that protects your assets and beneficiaries.
Executors typically need the will, death certificate, valuations of property and financial assets, bank and investment statements, and details of debts and liabilities. We guide executors through every step of gathering and preparing this information.
International estates often require probate in multiple jurisdictions and may involve cross-border tax considerations. We work closely with foreign lawyers to ensure worldwide compliance and smooth administration.
Yes. Executors can be personally accountable if they distribute assets incorrectly, fail to pay debts or overlook inheritance tax obligations. We provide comprehensive support to minimise risk and ensure full compliance.
A will should be reviewed every three to five years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, purchasing property or significant changes in wealth. Regular updates ensure your wishes remain accurate and enforceable.
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