Estate Planning

With careful tax planning, you and your future beneficiaries can protect your estate from large tax liabilities. The tax system as it stands is complex when it comes to inheritance, and hence it is our primary aim to explain the elements which are relevant to you in a clear and easy to digest manner. We will outline what taxes you may be liable for, then advise how such liabilities can be minimised by maximising Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds and the residence nil rate band, gifting, using Trusts, and taking advantage of tax-efficient investments, among many other possible strategies.

Once we have established a plan, we will implement it for you and manage it on an ongoing basis.

A Will does not need to be complex or costly, but it must be drafted correctly. Having a Will is one of the best ways to ensure your wishes for the future are carried out. Without a valid Will, your home and possessions may not automatically pass to your loved ones when you die.

Our Will writing lawyers will take the time to listen to your needs and carefully draft a Will (and/or Codicil) which accurately reflects your wishes. Our clients trust us to ensure their Will is updated during their lifetime, especially following significant life events, and is always legally valid. In fact, we assist many generations of the same family with their Wills as we understand their circumstances. We also advise on all aspects of Will administration and Probate.

Trusts are an essential estate planning and wealth protection tool for many of our clients. If you have previously been told that Trusts are the preserve of a select few, you might be surprised at how beneficial they may be for your circumstances. We aim to understand the nature of the assets you hold and how you wish these to be used in the future. With this knowledge, we will explain the Trust options available to you, how they work, and the benefits to you and your family. Once you have decided on the type of Trust that fits your needs, we can facilitate its setup and administration. We can also advise your Trustees on their duties and responsibilities.

Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) will ensure that decisions can be made by someone you trust (an Attorney) regarding your health and/or finances if you become mentally incapacitated. It is important to have an LPA in place before it is needed and while you possess sound mental capacity. Our Solicitors will advise which type of LPA is required for your needs, draft the necessary documents, and ensure they are legally valid and fully reflective of your wishes.