Trusts

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A trust is a way to safeguard your assets and provide for your loved ones, offering security and flexibility to adapt to life’s changes.

For many, however, the idea of a trust feels overwhelming. While trusts can be complex, they are also practical tools that provide valuable solutions for estate planning.

We believe in simplifying trusts. Our jargon-free approach ensures you fully understand your options, helping you decide whether a trust is the right fit for your circumstances.

Trusts can be created during your lifetime through a trust deed or set up in your Will, taking effect after your passing. Our experienced team can guide you through every aspect of trust management, including:

Establishing trusts
Managing and varying their terms
Closing trusts when appropriate

We work closely with those creating trusts (settlors), the individuals managing them (trustees), and those benefiting from them (beneficiaries). Our expertise also extends to acting as professional trustees, ensuring your trust is handled with care.

Our clients range from UK and non-UK residents to private individuals, corporate entities, and international families. Whatever your background, we’re here to provide thoughtful guidance for your needs.

Considering whether a trust could be right for you? Contact one of our team below to explore how trusts can help preserve your legacy for future generations.

If you require the release of documentation held by us, please see our Legal Notices for further information.

Planning ahead, with you.

Bare Trust

Advising on the creation of trusts where the beneficiary holds immediate rights to both capital and income.

Trust Accounts & Tax Returns

Guiding trustees in managing accounts and tax obligations, including preparing annual accounts and submitting tax returns to HMRC.

Personal Injury Trust

Creating trusts to hold personal injury compensation for the beneficiary’s benefit.

Discretionary Trust

Creating and managing flexible trusts (during a lifetime or through a Will) where trustees decide how, when, and to whom benefits are distributed.

Disabled Persons Trust

Creating trusts for disabled individuals that benefit from favourable tax treatments, subject to specific criteria.

Life Interest Trust

Advising on trusts (either during a lifetime or through a Will) where the beneficiary (life tenant) has a right to the income, but the capital is protected for other named beneficiaries.

Trust Registration Service (TRS)

Advising on registration requirements, including claiming the trust and maintaining and updating the Trust Register.

Trustee Duties & Responsibilities

Guiding on trustees’ legal obligations, including compliance, duty of care, and asset protection.

Here are some examples of how we’ve helped people

Advising beneficiaries on trustee indemnity in deed of appointment

We advised the beneficiaries of a trust about an indemnity requested by one of the trustees when entering into a Deed of Appointment to bring the trust to an end. The trustee sought personal indemnity beyond the value of the trust’s assets, which would have made the beneficiaries personally liable for any loss. Given the trust held no liquid assets, only a right to purchase the deceased Settlor’s property, we provided expert advice, negotiated with the trustee, and drafted both the indemnity and the Deed of Appointment, ensuring an amicable resolution. This case highlights our expertise in offering specialist advice and drafting in complex, niche trust matters.

Charitable Trust winding up and distribution

We acted for the trustees of a charitable trust that is being wound up following the death of its patron. Our initial step was to review the trust deed to ensure compliance with the distribution requirements, followed by a detailed review of the patron’s letter of wishes to guide the trustees in selecting the charities or charity types to receive the trust fund. We then prepared the necessary deed of appointment, coordinated with the accountants for the final accounts, and notified the Charity Commission of the trust’s winding up.

This matter highlights our long-standing client relationship and deep knowledge accumulated over two decades, alongside our technical expertise and pragmatic approach to administering charitable trusts.

Winding up of family Trust following settlor's death and change in circumstances

An external solicitor referred this matter to us, where we were instructed by the Trustees to advise on the winding up of a family trust following the death of one settlor and a new relationship for the surviving settlor. It was discovered that the trust, which held a single property asset, was no longer necessary, as the surviving settlor had forgotten its existence. We provided guidance on inheritance tax and capital gains tax implications, prepared the deed of appointment, and liaised with HMRC to fulfill all requirements. Our Real Estate team subsequently transferred the property to the beneficiary, showcasing our expertise in trust work, tax planning, and cross-team collaboration.