Estate Planning
Estate Planning
Estate planning is more than just preparing a will: it's about ensuring your loved ones are cared for and your legacy is protected. Our comprehensive estate planning services are designed for high-net-worth individuals and families in the UK who seek clarity, protection, and peace of mind for their future.
What we do
- •Will drafting and review to ensure your wishes are clearly documented
- •Trust establishment and administration for asset protection
- •Letters of wishes and family governance documentation
- •Inheritance tax planning integrated with estate structures
- •Business succession planning and asset transfer strategies
- •Regular reviews to ensure planning remains current and effective
Who it's for
UK high-net-worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive estate planning, those with complex family situations, business owners, property investors, and anyone wanting to ensure their assets are protected and transferred according to their wishes.
Common scenarios
First-time estate planning
If you haven't yet established a comprehensive estate plan, we can help you create wills, trusts, and other structures to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honoured.
Updating existing plans
Life changes: marriages, births, divorces, property purchases: require estate plan updates. We help ensure your planning remains aligned with your current circumstances and objectives.
Blended family planning
Blended families require careful planning to balance the interests of current and former partners, children from different relationships, and ensure fair and appropriate distributions.
Frequently asked questions
What is estate planning and why is it important?+
Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan for managing and transferring your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It's important to ensure your wishes are honoured, your loved ones are provided for, and your assets are protected and transferred efficiently.
Do I need a will if I'm married?+
Yes, even if you're married, a will is important to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, intestacy rules apply, which may not reflect your preferences or provide optimal tax efficiency.
What is a trust and when might I need one?+
A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are held by trustees for beneficiaries. Trusts can provide asset protection, tax planning, controlled wealth transfer, and flexibility. They may be relevant if you have significant assets, complex family situations, or specific protection needs.
How often should I review my estate plan?+
Regular reviews are recommended, particularly when circumstances change: such as marriages, births, divorces, property purchases, or changes in legislation. Annual reviews help ensure your planning remains current and effective.
What happens if I die without a will?+
If you die without a will, intestacy rules apply, which determine how your estate is distributed according to law. This may not reflect your wishes, may not be tax-efficient, and may not provide for your loved ones as you would prefer.
Can I change my will or estate plan?+
Yes, you can update your will or estate plan at any time. It's important to do this properly to ensure changes are legally valid. Professional advice can help ensure updates are made correctly and align with your overall planning.
What is a letter of wishes?+
A letter of wishes is a non-binding document that provides guidance to trustees about how you would like trust assets to be managed and distributed. It offers flexibility while maintaining the legal structure of the trust.
How does estate planning relate to inheritance tax?+
Estate planning and inheritance tax planning are closely linked. Effective estate planning can help minimise IHT exposure while ensuring your wishes are honoured. Integrated planning typically provides the best outcomes.
What if I have assets in multiple countries?+
International estate planning requires coordination across jurisdictions, understanding of different legal systems, and consideration of tax treaties. Professional advice is essential to ensure effective planning across borders.
How much does estate planning cost?+
Costs vary depending on complexity, the structures needed, and the scope of planning required. An initial consultation can help you understand what's needed and provide clarity on costs for your specific situation.
Next steps
Explore our tools with calculators and quizzes to help you assess your situation.
Take our Wills Estate Planning Check quiz to assess your situation.
Learn more about how we work.
Disclaimer
For UK consumers only. Tardi Group Ltd is not FCA authorised as a firm. Tardi Group Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Information is general and not personal advice. Personal recommendations (where applicable) only after full review and signed client agreement. We may work with FCA-regulated advisers where required.