Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Planning for the future gives you greater control over how your assets are protected and passed on. Our private client team advises on wills, trusts, inheritance planning and estate planning, helping you protect your wealth, provide for loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out for generations to come.
Protecting Your Family, Your Wishes and Your Future
Making a Will is about much more than deciding who inherits your assets.
It is about ensuring the people you care about are protected, your wishes are respected and important decisions remain in trusted hands should the unexpected happen.
Whether you are creating your first Will, reviewing existing arrangements, planning for inheritance tax or considering a Lasting Power of Attorney, Eaton Smith's Private Client team can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
Most People Assume Things Will "Just Sort Themselves Out"
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is the belief that family members will automatically inherit everything or be able to make decisions on behalf of a loved one if necessary.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Without the correct legal documents in place:
- The law determines who inherits your estate.
- Unmarried partners may receive nothing.
- Decisions regarding your finances or healthcare may become more complicated.
- Families can face unnecessary delays, expense and stress.
Taking steps now can provide certainty and peace of mind for the future.
Consequences of not having a Will
It is a common misconception that if you die without making a Will (Intestate) everything automatically passes to your surviving spouse, but that is not always the case. Under the Intestacy Rules it is the law, rather than you, which dictates who will inherit your property and possessions. This has far reaching effects in terms of how much your spouse and children etc will receive. Perhaps very significantly if you are not married, or registered under the Civil Partnerships Act your partner would NOT benefit at all under the Intestacy Rules as your property and possessions will automatically pass to your nearest blood relative. Failing this then the Government will get everything!
In addition, if you have young children, you will not have indicated who you wish to look after those children and bring them up. You could also end up paying unnecessary inheritance tax.
How We Can Help
Wills
A professionally prepared Will allows you to:
- Decide who inherits your estate
- Appoint executors
- Choose guardians for children
- Leave gifts to friends, family or charities
- Reduce the risk of future disputes
Estate Planning
Good estate planning helps ensure your affairs are structured as efficiently as possible both during your lifetime and after death.
We advise on:
- Wealth preservation
- Succession planning
- Family wealth transfers
- Protecting vulnerable beneficiaries
- Trust arrangements
Inheritance Tax Planning
Many people are surprised to discover the value of their estate exceeds inheritance tax thresholds. (currently fixed at £325,000) which means that their family would be liable to paying 40‰ tax on the value of the estate over that level.
Careful planning may help reduce inheritance tax liabilities and ensure more of your wealth passes to the people you intend to benefit.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
If illness, injury or loss of capacity prevents you from managing your affairs, a Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
We advise on:
- Property & Financial Affairs LPAs
- Health & Welfare LPAs
- Registration requirements
- Attorney responsibilities
Trusts
Trusts can provide valuable protection and flexibility for families, business owners and vulnerable beneficiaries.
We can advise on:
- Family trusts
- Asset protection trusts
- Trust administration
- Tax considerations
- Long-term succession planning
When Should You Review Your Arrangements?
You should consider reviewing your Will or estate planning arrangements if:
- You marry or enter a civil partnership
- You divorce or separate
- Children or grandchildren are born
- You acquire significant assets
- You start a business
- Your financial circumstances change
- A named executor or beneficiary dies
Why Choose Eaton Smith?
Our Private Client team includes specialists with extensive experience in:
- Wills
- Estate planning
- Probate
- Trusts
- Inheritance tax planning.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide straightforward advice designed to protect you and your family
Related Services
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection
- Residential Property
- Inheritance Tax Planning
Speak to Our Private Client Team
Whether you are making your first Will, reviewing an existing one, planning for inheritance tax or considering a Lasting Power of Attorney, Eaton Smith's Private Client team can help.
Contact Eaton Smith's Private Client team today to discuss your requirements.
