Our Trusts and Estate team deals with all aspects of trust administration and management.

A number of our team are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and are therefore recognised as specialists in this field.

We can advise on trust structures as part of your succession planning process to shelter assets from inheritance tax or from life events such as divorce and bankruptcy.

This may also be important in planning for the succession of the family business.

We offer bespoke advice for trustees on their obligations and duties. The role of a trustee can be onerous and professional advice is required to avoid incurring liability.

VWV executor and trustee company

Our professional trustee company can act as a trustee where an independent non-family member is required. The trustee company can fulfil a valuable function providing professional advice and guidance and helping to prevent disputes between trustees and beneficiaries.

Disabled trusts

A number of our lawyers have particular expertise in creating trusts for those with disabilities where particular trust structures are required in order to avoid triggering tax liabilities or jeopardising means tested benefits.

Charitable trusts

We act on behalf of charity trustees as well as creating new charitable trusts and foundations.

Trust administration

We have very experienced trust managers who can complete trust accounts and deal with income tax returns for the trust.

Disputes

Our Contentious Trust and Probate team has wide experience in dealing with most disputes; removing trustees or defending applications to remove, calling for an account and varying the terms of a trust.