Trusts

Trust Lawyers London

Trusts have been used for generations to avoid or solve problems in two main areas: taxation and family matters. Osbornes Law offer specialist trust advice to high net worth families. Our expert trust lawyers have a wealth of experience in assisting those with significant international assets.

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  • “The ‘approachable, friendly and motivated’  team receives a steady flow of instructions from high-net-worth individuals and families on an array of tax planning, wealth preservation, estate and succession planning issues.”

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What is a Trust?

A trust is the formal transfer of assets (e.g. property, shares or money) to a small group of people or to a trust company on the basis that the assets are held by the trustees for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries).

Trusts can be made in your lifetime, usually by a Trust Deed, or alternatively, a trust can be created in the form of Will Trust. Trusts separate the legal and beneficial ownership of assets and this is their unique characteristic; the trustees are the legal owners but the beneficial owners are the beneficiaries.

Specialist Lawyers for Trusts

Our specialist lawyers for trusts advise on these and other tax planning and tax-saving opportunities either independently or in conjunction with clients making their Wills. We focus on preserving and enhancing clients’ assets by advising on tax and succession planning. This often includes transferring assets from one generation to another, not necessarily the next, in a structured way to minimise tax liability and other problems.

Speak to a trust lawyer today

For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811

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    • A private client team offering a range of services to assist with private client matters including trust and probate services. A friendly approach with a keen eye for detail.

      Legal 500 2024

    • I have been a client of this firm for a number of years and been impressed by particular individuals, the care and thoughtfulness with which they have worked.

      Legal 500 2024

    • An efficient firm which provides an excellent service at highly competitive charging rates.

      Legal 500 2024

    • The team receives a steady flow of instructions from high-net-worth individuals and families on an array of tax planning, wealth preservation, estate and succession planning issues

      Legal 500 2024

    • I think this firm has excellent strength and depth in this area, for both contentious and non-contentious work, and they can hold their own against any other firm.

      Legal 500 2024

    • I have found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic in settling claims for their clients.

      Legal 500 2024

    • The contested estates team is strong with talented young solicitors doing good quality work

      Legal 500 2024

    • The nimble team acts for a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of complex estate and trust litigation.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Osbornes has a ‘strong private client department’ and ‘the firm seems to be going from strength to strength’.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Thank you for managing my case, following a complete fiasco before I contacted Osbornes Law. I know that the work involved was rather complicated, possibly frustrating and often time consuming. I was impressed with your current knowledge of the case when we had the first meeting at your office. I regard a face-to-face meeting as imperative in developing positive relationships. Members of your team, such as Alex and Ella were impressive too, with their efficient, friendly manner of working.
      I am grateful for your patience, advice and excellent support at a difficult time. Hopefully it won't be necessary to contact you again regarding this matter! I will definitely use Osbornes Law in the future.

      Client

    • "Commitment to the cause, willingness to go the extra mile and complete command of the area mean they always give the right advice and do the best job possible."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "They are completely committed to doing the absolute best they can for every single client. They are bright, knowledgeable and innovative."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "This team perhaps does not have the reputation in this area it ought to have. It quietly handles some very big, high profile disputes. It has an expert team to do so and provides sensible pragmatic advice to its clients."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "The agile team at Osbornes acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals and families in complex estate and trust litigation, advising on a wide array of contentious trust and estate matters."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."

      Client review

    • "I am proud to be a private client of Osbornes Solicitors LLP, a client of many years. I appreciate the swift and efficient work of the Private Client Department Team."

      Client

    • "Jan Atkinson, with her steely, steady, calming presence, instils confidence in the most highly-strung of us clients. With her masterful knowledge of the law, old and new, and its application, Jan can navigate through the most complex of cases to a successful end."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"

      Legal 500 2021

    • "A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."

      Legal 500 2021

    • My family had the pleasure of Jan Atkinson working with us on the will and probate issues of [my mother's] estate in Camden and Ireland after she passed on last year. Jan and her assistant(s) offered us a fantastic service at a sad time.

      Client Review

    • "Jan Atkinson stands out for her wide-ranging knowledge and experience of estates; whatever problem you throw at her, she has seen it all before and is able to find a creative and sustainable solution. She has exceptional commitment to her clients and explores every avenue to find the best solution for them"

      Legal 500 2021 - Jan Atkinson

    • The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the  next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions

      Legal 500

    • Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters

      Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

    • A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over

      Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

    • "They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."

      Chambers UK

    • "Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."

      The Legal 500

    • "The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."

      The Legal 500

    • "The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."

      Chambers UK

    • The situation was handled by your extremely competent, efficient hands - I would not hesitate to recommend Osbornes to others.

      Wills, Probate and Disputed Estate Client

    • "Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Osbornes Solicitors always responded promptly to any request for information I had.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • “Geoffrey’s affairs were dealt with just the right combination of friendliness and professionalism, which really helped.”

       

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.

      Chambers UK

    • I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates client

    Why make a Trust?

    To Save Tax

    During your lifetime you can put assets which you no longer need into a trust to reduce your wealth and minimise Inheritance Tax on your death. Assets can be placed in trust for your grandchildren either during your lifetime or after your death thereby jumping a generation which reduces your own childrens’ exposure to Inheritance Tax.

    Family Reasons

    Assets can be placed in trust to prevent young people receiving or inheriting too much wealth too early in their lives or at an inappropriate time. You may wish to give a life interest to a family member or dependent person rather than make a gift of assets to them outright. A trust is a suitable mechanism for this arrangement. On the death of the lifetime beneficiary, the funds can return to you or pass to your family.

    Types of Trust

    There are many types of trust and we can advise you on the most appropriate form of trust to suit your purposes.

    • The Discretionary Will Trust
      This was often used in the Wills of married couples to ensure that the nil rate band available to everyone, i.e. the amount which any person can leave without payment of Inheritance Tax, was not wasted on the first death because of the spouse exemption from Inheritance Tax rule. This is no longer necessary since the introduction of the transferable nil rate band between spouses but still has other uses. For example, in preserving assets against the risk of them being used to fund care home fees.

    • Interest in Possession Trusts
      This is a fixed interest or life interest trust which can also be used in a Will.  For example, one person can enjoy the assets placed in a trust for life, i.e. receive the income, whilst the capital in due course passes to others, perhaps children of a first marriage.

    • Discretionary Trusts
      This may be appropriate if you have identified a group of people you wish to benefit but are unsure what their circumstances will be in the future, i.e. who will require a greater share of the trust than the others.

    • Disabled or Principal Beneficiary Trust
      This is a useful mechanism if any of your beneficiaries are unable to look after their own affairs and are in receipt of state benefits. Assets can be placed in a form of discretionary trust and benefits can be preserved. This type of trust enjoys favoured tax treatment.

    • A  Charitable Trust
      You can create your own charity either in your lifetime or on death by creating a charitable trust which receives favoured tax treatment.

    Lifetime Gifts

    As clients get older they need to consider their financial circumstances as a whole. When thinking about Wills, it is sensible to consider the tax advantages of making lifetime gifts including gifting property to children or others. Gifts made more than seven years before death are exempt from Inheritance Tax and do not form part of the donor’s estate, provided no benefit is reserved in the asset by the donor.

    Accreditations

    • Times best law firm 2024
    • Spears 500 logo
    • legal 500 leading firm
    • chambers logo

    News and Insights From our Lawyers for TrustsVIEW ALL

    1. Constructive Trusts
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      Constructive Trusts

      Property rights are not always clear-cut. Sometimes, a person who does not legally own a property could be entitled to...

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      Are trusts protected from divorce?

      Can trusts protect an inheritance from your spouse? A trust is a separate legal entity. Neither spouse owns its assets. ...

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      Do you need to register your trust?

      The Trust Register was introduced in 2017 as part of anti-money laundering regulations. Previously, only trusts with a UK tax liability...

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      6.7.2021

      Beware of setting up unnecessary trusts for children

      Parents making a will should beware of setting up unnecessary trusts for their children which could see them paying more...

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