More people are turning to specialists in estate planning to protect their wealth for their loved ones.

By making the right decisions regarding the structure of finances, property, and other assets you have worked hard to acquire, you can achieve the same outcome.

Due to the rise in property values in recent decades, many people now possess high-value estates which can be at risk of erosion due to taxation, poorly administered or invalid Wills, and payment of care costs.

Our Estate Planning Solicitors have years of experience drafting Wills and advising on Estate Planning. We take the time to provide the right advice to suit you, delivering complete peace of mind that your affairs are arranged as you would like.

We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that uses best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective Wills, Trusts, and estate planning advice and representation. Our years of experience in private client law mean we have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel, Estate Agents, Independent Financial Advisers, Tax Advisors, Surveyors, and Business Succession Planning Advisors who can bring additional support to our Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Department if required.

Below are some of the most common questions we are asked about estate planning.

What is Tax 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 minimized by maximizing 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.

How is a Will used for Estate Planning?

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.

How do Trusts help with estate planning?

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.

Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney?

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.

Why choose us?

Our Estate Planning Solicitors have a wealth of experience in all aspects of estate planning. We will take the time to listen to what you want to achieve and put a strategy in place that is flexible enough to endure throughout the vicissitudes of your life.

Smalleys Solicitors provides exceptional Estate Planning and Wills, Estate & Trusts services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nottingham, Arnold, Hucknall, Derby and Mansfield, but across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & the East Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.

To receive expert advice and representation regarding Estate Planning and Wills, Estate & Trusts, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0115) 955 6555, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.