Trusts & Estate Planning
Family Law solicitors in Cheshire
Every client has a different story and varied goals. Using efficient estate planning techniques can ensure your wealth and assets are best tailored to achieve your needs.
We’re here to advise on the suitability of various types of trusts and planning techniques to optimise and protect what you’ve acquired. Trusts can be one of the most valuable planning tools but are often the least understood. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Consult with our Family Law solicitors in Cheshire
For expert assistance with family law, contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors today for a no-obligation discussion of how we may be able to help.
Call us on 01606 811700 or make an enquiry online.
Trusts and estate planning FAQs
Estate planning can be useful to anyone. You can use our services to:
- Minimise inheritance tax on your estate.
- Prepare for future costs, for example care home fees.
- Plan for what would happen if you lost mental capacity.
- Set up dedicated trusts for the purpose of paying school or university fees.
- Make sure your loved ones are provided for after your death.
- Implement succession plans if you are a business owner.
Yes, we can advise on how to structure your Will to make sure any tax you have to pay will be as low as possible.
Different ways you can reduce your inheritance tax bill include:
- Leaving money to charity.
- Setting up trusts.
- Giving away parts of your estate while you are still alive.
You should prepare your estate around inheritance tax, as it will ensure the value of your estate is not drastically reduced for the loved ones you wish to leave it to. Effective planning can make sure that your wealth remains as intact as possible when you leave it to the next generation.
Trusts are a valuable part of estate planning. They allow you to make gifts of assets or property in a controlled way that:
- Protects it from unnecessary tax.
- Ensures the beneficiaries use the funds appropriately.
- Means various people can benefit at different times.
You can either choose to establish a trust during your lifetime, or include one in your Will that gets activated upon your death. Creating a lifetime trust can be an effective way to help reduce inheritance tax, as long as the gift is made at least 7 years before your death.
If you want to ensure you still have control over what happens to the gift while you’re alive, you can appoint yourself as a trustee.
While being a high net worth individual (HNWI) generally means increased financial stability, there’s usually a greater need for thoughtful and effective planning.
Some issues that our high net worth clients often face include:
- The complexity of UK tax laws - particularly when managing international assets.
- Assets held in many different structures, such as trusts, businesses, rental property, and investment companies.
- Asset protection - from creditors or life-changing events such as divorce.
- Protection of privacy - especially important for clients with a prominent media profile.
- Succession planning for businesses and family governance.