Wills and Trusts Solicitors
When a simple will doesn’t offer enough protection, we guide you in using trusts to safeguard your family and long-term plans.
Using trusts within your will to protect what matters most.
We help clients who need more than a basic will by setting up trusts that secure their family’s future and control how assets are distributed.
As experienced wills and trusts solicitors, we advise individuals, couples and families on how trusts can be used effectively within estate planning, giving greater control on how wealth is passed on
A trust within a will may be appropriate where you wish to:
- Protect assets for children from prior relationships.
- Provide for a spouse and preserve capital for the next generation.
- Support a vulnerable or disabled beneficiary.
- Reduce disputes.
- Manage inheritance tax exposure.
- Protect business or property interests.
Trusts allow flexibility and control, ensuring assets are managed in line with your wishes even after your death.
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What is a will trust?
A trust created within a will is sometimes called a will trust. It comes into effect after death and allows appointed trustees to hold and manage assets for beneficiaries according to your instructions, which can include:
- Delaying access to inheritance until a chosen age.
- Providing for phased distributions rather than a single lump sum.
- Allowing trustees flexibility to apply funds for a beneficiary’s health, education or general welfare.
- Including protective provisions to safeguard a beneficiary’s inheritance from creditors, divorce or financial difficulty.
- Ensuring long-term management of family wealth.
Trusts are highly flexible, but careful drafting is essential to ensure your objectives are achieved.
Types of trusts commonly included in wills.
Different types of trusts serve different purposes. As solicitors specialising in wills and trusts, we frequently advise on:
- Discretionary trusts – Allow trustees flexibility to decide how and when beneficiaries receive assets. Very useful where circumstances may change over time for instance if a beneficiary is a minor, has special needs, or there are blended‑family issues. (Learn more about discretionary trusts)
- Life interest trusts – These provide income or use of an asset (such as a property) to one person during their lifetime, with capital passing to others later. (Learn more about lifetime trusts)
- Vulnerable person trust – These are designed to protect and manage funds for beneficiaries who may not be able to manage finances independently.
Each option should be evaluated in light of your family circumstances and long‑term plans.
Why use a wills and trusts solicitor?
Trusts add a layer of complexity to estate planning. Incorrect drafting can lead to unintended tax consequences or administrative difficulty for trustees.
An experienced wills and trust solicitors, will assess whether a trust is appropriate for your family and long‑term plans, explain tax implications, and reduce administrative burdens for trustees. They also advise on appointing suitable trustees and reduce risk.
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Why clients choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
Our private client team has extensive experience advising on wills that incorporate trusts and protective planning.
Clients value that:
- We combine a technical understanding of trusts with practical advice.
- Our team explains complex structures in plain English.
- We advise families with blended, international or high-value estates.
- Our solicitors provide discreet, long-term support.
- Our team is trusted across London and the South East.
We ensure that your will and trust arrangements are clear, robust and aligned with your wider estate planning goals.
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Let’s put the right protections in place.
If you are considering including a trust within your will, or would like to review existing arrangements, our wills and trusts solicitors are here to help.
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Frequently asked questions
Are trusts only for high-net-worth estates?
No. While trusts are often used in larger estates, they may also be beneficial where protection or structured distribution is required. The suitability depends on objectives rather than estate size alone.
Can a trust protect assets from divorce or creditors?
While no structure offers absolute protection, a carefully drafted trust can prevent assets passing outright to a beneficiary. This may reduce exposure in certain circumstances, such as divorce, bankruptcy or creditor claims although outcomes depend on individual facts and court discretion.
Do I need a trust in my will?
Not everyone does. Trusts are often appropriate where there are blended families, vulnerable beneficiaries, business interests or concerns about asset protection. Our wills and trusts solicitors can review your specific situation and advise whether a trust would provide real benefit.
Do trusts in wills reduce inheritance tax?
Trusts can assist with certain inheritance tax planning strategies, but outcomes depend on structure, individual circumstances and professional advice
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will sets out how your estate is distributed after death. A trust is a legal structure that allows assets to be managed by trustees for beneficiaries. Trusts can be created during your lifetime or within your will and are often used to provide additional protection or flexibility.
Who should I appoint as trustees?
Choose reliable people who can manage assets. Many people appoint a family member alongside a professional trustee so that personal knowledge is factored in with technical expertise.
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Getting in touch couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced solicitor in confidence.
Please note we cannot offer legal aid.