Estate Planning Services

Estate Planning, or ‘Protect’ as we call it, is more than just having a will—it’s about safeguarding your assets and making sure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.

Whether you’re looking to draft a will, set up a trust or Lasting Power of Attorney, reduce inheritance tax, or safeguard your estate from Care Fees, our expert Estate Planning team is here to help. We’ll aim to take all the confusing legal jargon and put it in simple easy to understand language, while also busting some of those common myths people have – like signing the house to the kids won’t prevent it from being taken in care fees.

You simply tell us what you want to protect and we’ll make sure what you leave behind goes to the people you want and not someone else you haven’t considered. Especially the taxman!

Ready to protect your legacy?

Speak with us today to arrange your no-cost meeting (worth £500) with one of our local pension & retirement planning experts.

Estate Planning Services

Don’t just take our word for it…

Read what some of our clients have to say about us…

Commonly Asked Questions About Estate Planning

1. What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a will (known as dying intestate), UK law will decide how your assets are distributed. This could mean that your estate may not go to the people or causes you care about most. Having a valid will in place ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, helping to avoid family disputes and reducing the legal process’s complexity.

2. How Can I Reduce Inheritance Tax in the UK?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is currently charged at 40% on estates over £325,000 (or £500,000 if passing a home to direct descendants). However, there are several legal ways to reduce IHT, such as setting up trusts, gifting assets, and making charitable donations. Our Estate Planning services can help you explore these options, ensuring that as much of your estate as possible goes to your loved ones rather than to taxes.

3. What Is a Trust and How Does It Work in Estate Planning?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the “settlor”) transfer assets to trustees, who manage them for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts can be an effective tool in Estate Planning to protect assets, reduce inheritance tax, and control how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. There are also several different types of trusts, including Property Trusts, Pension Trusts, and Savings Trusts. We can help you set up a trust that aligns with your goals and ensures your assets are managed according to your wishes. Read ‘How to avoid inheritance tax with a trust’ to find out more.

4. When Should I Start Estate Planning?

It’s never too early to start estate planning. Life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place gives you control over your assets, provides for your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are respected in the event of illness or death. Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan, especially after major life events like marriage, having children, or acquiring significant assets, is equally important.

5. How Long Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Last?

6. How to claim Power of Attorney?

7. What can I expect from meeting with Joslin Rhodes?

At your first meeting, held at our Planning Rooms location in Preston Farm, you’ll meet a member of our Protect team. They will listen to your concerns and chat about what estate plans you may already have in place, before talking through your options to plug any gaps. We’ll also look at things like, what you want to happen to your estate when you’re gone and help solve any potential issues.

Estate Planning Services

There’s always something happening here…

Looking for practical, face-to-face help to tackle life’s money matters? Then join us at these no-cost workshops.

Whether it’s pension puzzles, care fee planning chaos, or sleepless nights from financial worries, we’re here to help.

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Real Advice, For Real People

We'll show you:

  • Estate Planning Services When you can afford to retire
  • Estate Planning Services How much money you'll need in retirement
  • Estate Planning Services How to make the most of your pensions and other assets to fund your lifestyle