Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning
An effective estate planning strategy in place is important when wanting to pass on your wealth to the people you care about.
It is important when planning to transfer your estate that you make enough provision for your later years. By carefully structuring your financial affairs we can look at ways to help minimise your tax liability.
You may want to pass your wealth directly to family members or wish to reduce the effect of inheritance tax on your estate and consider the use of family trusts or charitable foundations.
Wills
Failing to make a will could see your assets divided according to intestacy rules, making a will is critical in Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning and it is important to make sure it is well written and planned.
It is important to regularly review your will to make sure it is kept relevant to your changing circumstances and to store it securely (which we can arrange for you). Making the most of the tax reliefs available and ensuring your assets go where you want them a carefully drafted will can help plan your IHT appropriately.
We can take your will instructions and ensure that your will is drawn up to ensure the maximum protection for your beneficiaries.
Powers of Attorney
A will may protect the interests of your beneficiaries in the event of your death, but who will look after your interests if you are unable to take decisions for yourself?
A Lasting Power of Attorney can protect your interests by vesting authority in those you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Lasting Powers of Attorneys can be Welfare Attorneys, chosen to make decisions concerning your care if you are incapacitated, or Property and Affairs Attorneys, chosen to help you manage your financial affairs.
Trusts
A Trust's main value can be to keep your estate out of probate after your death.
A trust remains an agreement between an owner of assets and the chosen trustees. The trustees legally own the assets of the trust, but are not allowed to benefit themselves (unless they have also been named as beneficiaries).
Trust planning can provide significant tax planning opportunities, as well as protect your beneficiaries from a range of future risks to their finances.
We can advise on a broad range of trust planning, that can protect your needs and the needs of your beneficiaries.
The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate advice on wills, powers of attorney or trusts.
