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Estate Planning

Estate planning that protects what you pass on

Estate planning is about making sure more of what you have built reaches the people you care about, with as little lost to tax and complication as possible. We help you plan ahead with confidence, so your wishes are clear and your family is looked after.

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What estate planning actually involves

Estate planning is the work of organising your money, property and assets so they pass on the way you want, when the time comes. Done well, it can reduce the tax your estate pays and spare your family stress and delay.

It usually brings together several things: how your pensions and investments are arranged, what you give away in your lifetime, protection such as life cover, and how inheritance tax is managed. We handle the financial planning side and work alongside your solicitor on wills and legal matters.

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Where we can help

Planning for inheritance tax

Arranging your affairs so more of your estate passes to your family, rather than to a larger tax bill than necessary.

Passing on your pension and investments

Making sure your pensions and investments are set up to pass on smoothly and in line with your wishes.

Protecting your family

Using life cover and sensible planning so your family is provided for and not left with an unexpected burden.

How we work with you

Understanding your wishes

We start with what matters to you: who you want to provide for, what you want to leave, and any worries you have about the future.

Building the plan

We look at your pensions, investments, property and protection together, and set out clear, practical advice for passing them on efficiently.

Bringing in legal expertise where needed

Wills, powers of attorney and trusts are legal work. Where you need them, we can introduce you to one of our partner firms, so the financial and legal sides of your plan fit together properly.

Annual allowance and carry forward

What you can contribute each year, and how to use unused allowance from the previous three.

Things worth knowing about estate planning

It is more than a will

A will says who gets what. Estate planning also shapes how much is there to pass on, and how much is lost to tax along the way.
Pensions often sit outside your estate

Pensions are usually treated differently from the rest of your estate, which makes how they are arranged an important part of planning.
Giving in your lifetime can help

Gifting during your life, done sensibly and within the rules, can be a legitimate way to reduce what your estate owes.
Starting early gives you options

Much estate planning works best with time. Planning ahead opens doors that close if left until late.

FCA Authorised

And Regulated

Independent

Whole of market

Over 4,500 clients

Across the UK

FAQs

Questions people ask us

What is estate planning?

Estate planning is arranging your money, property and assets so they pass to the people you choose, as efficiently as possible. It brings together your pensions, investments, gifting, protection and inheritance tax planning. We handle the financial side, and where legal work such as a will is needed we can refer you to a trusted partner firm.

Do I need estate planning if I already have a will?

A will is important, but it is only part of the picture. It sets out who receives what. Estate planning goes further, shaping how much there is to pass on and how much is lost to tax on the way. The two work best together, and if you need legal support we can refer you to a trusted partner firm.

Will you write my will or set up a trust?

Wills, powers of attorney and trusts are legal work, so they sit with a solicitor rather than with us. What we do is the financial planning around them. Where you need that legal work, we can introduce you to one of our partner firms, and of course you are free to use your own solicitor if you prefer.

How does estate planning reduce inheritance tax?

There are several legitimate routes, such as making the most of allowances, gifting sensibly during your lifetime, using life cover to meet a future bill, and arranging pensions and investments well. The right mix depends on your circumstances, which is what advice is for. Rules can change, so we plan to the current position.

When should I start estate planning?

Usually earlier than people expect. Much of what makes estate planning effective needs time to work, so planning ahead gives you far more options than leaving it late. It is rarely too early to get your affairs in order and give your family clarity.

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