Legacy Protection for Higher Education Institutions

Legacy Protection for HEIs

Legacy income is essential for higher education institutions (HEIs). However, as charitable entities, it can also be complex. Our Legacy Protection team understands that HEIs face a balancing exercise between maximising income from legacy donations and reputational management. Find out more about our legacy protection work here.

Our experience, strategic approach and sensitivity to your needs make us ideally equipped to assist your institution.

Have You Been Left a Gift in Someone's Will?

We understand that when HEIs become beneficiaries they are often in the difficult position of balancing their obligation to maximise their entitlement without compromising their reputation. We advise beneficiaries on a wide range of issues such as, interpreting the Will, corresponding with Executors and bereaved family members, considering tax implications and advising on the appointment of assets to the institution.

Are You an Executor in a Will?

Increasing numbers of HEIs find themselves in joint roles, appointed as Executors and also beneficiaries. We provide technical and strategic advice on a range of issues, ensuring HEIs are able to successfully navigate these two roles.

Are You Concerned About the Way an Estate Is Being Dealt With?

As beneficiaries, HEIs can often find themselves involved in slow or deadlocked estate administration. We advise HEIs on the options available to them, from guiding them through the administration and prompting the Executors into action, through to the ultimate sanction of the removal of Executors, where necessary by court application, if they have breached their legal duties.

Are You Involved in a Will Dispute?

HEIs, as both Executors and beneficiaries, can face a difficult situation where there are disappointed family members. Our contentious probate specialists are experienced in challenging and defending wills, dealing with issues surrounding the validity of wills and defending claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

How Can We Help?

Our Legacy Protection team comprises of nationally recognised contentious probate and trust and estate administration specialists, led by the highly-rated Michelle Rose. Many of the team are members of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and others have worked as legacy officers, so they have on-the-ground experience of managing these challenging situations.

We have substantial experience in dealing with a range of legacy matters, from the smaller non-contentious issues HEIs may face through to more complex contentious matters.

If you would like any more information about the work we do or how we could assist your HEI, please contact Michelle Rose on 0117 314 5246 or make an enquiry below.