Succession planning

An intelligent approach to taxation

 When you’re planning how to pass your wealth to future generations, tax is an essential consideration. Not just inheritance tax but the whole system, including capital gains and stamp duty land tax. The implications are especially critical for trustees and for people with company shares, complex estates or overseas interests.

Advice that’s very personal to you

 Our tax experts will help you navigate the right path for your family. They not only have a detailed knowledge of taxation and the legalities surrounding it but will take time to get to know you, your circumstances and preferences. We have a history of building strong, long-standing relationships that support families from generation to generation.

Guidance for every kind of trust

 Trusts often form an important aspect of succession planning. We can guide you through the whole process of setting up, registering and managing a trust, and provide strategic advice throughout its lifespan. We work across the full spectrum of trusts, including family, will, employee, business, death in service and life insurance trusts, and advise divorce lawyers on trusts in matrimonial proceedings.

LPA and deputyship

Decisions made by those you can trust

Lasting powers of attorney let you appoint people to make decisions for you if you lose your ability to do so through illness or injury. There are two types; one focuses on your financial affairs and the other focuses on your health, care and medical treatment.

We can set up or take on lasting powers of attorney

You can turn to us for help setting up either type so the person or people you choose can make decisions for you, ensuring your best interests are looked after. You can also appoint us as financial attorneys to make decisions on your behalf. Giving this responsibility to an impartial expert can be useful if family members are likely to disagree on decisions.

Important protection for company shareholders

Lasting powers of attorney are particularly important for company shareholders and help to protect business continuity and value. Commercial decisions can be very different from those made about your personal finances. So you can even appoint separate attorneys to ensure the right people are chosen for each type of decision.

Deputyship and applying to the Court of Protection

 If someone loses the ability to make decisions for themselves and there’s no lasting power of attorney, the court appoints someone to act in their best interests. This is called deputyship. We advise families on applying to the court so they can be appointed as a deputy. We’re also appointed by the court to act as a professional deputy if no family members are able to take on this role. Or if there is a family dispute and an impartial deputy is needed.

Stamp duty land tax

Specialist support for a complex tax

The rules for stamp duty land tax (SDLT) are complicated and ever changing and operate in very different ways from other areas of tax. To ensure you get the best advice for your situation, the extensive range of rates and reliefs need to be navigated by specialists.

Up-to-date advice from recognised experts

Our team includes a chartered tax adviser who’s a member of the Stamp Taxes Practitioners Group and writes a leading practitioners’ book on stamp duty land tax. We provide advice on all manner of SDLT queries – from supporting people buying their dream home to advising accountants and other solicitors on technical, intricate and high-value transactions.

Tailored to your circumstances

Providing the right advice on SDLT requires a detailed understanding of each situation. We take time to thoroughly understand your circumstances and work collaboratively with your other advisors to provide carefully considered advice for your specific needs.

Inheritance tax planning

Preserving wealth for future generations requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to inheritance tax (IHT). Beyond IHT, other taxes like capital gains and income tax can impact your estate. For those with business interests, international assets, or larger estates, the need for a strategic approach is even greater.

Tailored solutions for your family’s future

Our tax team offers solutions tailored to your family’s circumstances. By understanding your priorities and financial goals, we provide advice that’s practical and personal. Whether you’re navigating complex tax rules or seeking clarity on the best way forward, we’re here to guide you.

Trusts and other tax-efficient structures

Trusts, lifetime gifting, and other tax-efficient strategies are often key to managing IHT. We’ll work with you to explore these options, ensuring compliance while securing your legacy. From setting up trusts to advising on their ongoing management, our expertise helps protect your wealth for the long term.

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