Planning for the future can feel daunting. Many people worry about what will happen to their wealth, their property, and their loved ones when they’re no longer around. Without the right planning, tax can erode your assets, disputes can consume them, or they may never reach the people you want to benefit.
At Ringrose Law, our specialist Trusts Solicitors are here to give you peace of mind. With decades of experience, we help you protect your assets, provide for your family, and secure your legacy.
Why Trusts Matter
If you haven’t set up a trust, your family could face:
- Unnecessary tax bills, reducing the value of your estate.
- Family disputes over inheritance.
- Vulnerable relatives left unprotected, especially children or dependents with additional needs.
- A lack of control over how and when your assets are used.
A trust protects your assets, carries out your wishes, and cares for your loved ones exactly as you intend.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you (the settlor) to transfer assets into the care of trustees. They manage them on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries.
Think of it as a protective box around your wealth. You set the rules for when it opens, who benefits, and how.
You can use Trusts to hold property, savings, shares, or investments, they can last for many years, often across generations.
Speak to Our Trusts Solicitors Today
Why Set Up a Trust?
Setting up a trust is one of the most effective ways to;
- Protect your wealth
- Make sure your wishes are respected, and
- Provide long-term security for your loved ones.
Many people only think about Wills when it comes to estate planning. However, Trusts offer a greater level of flexibility, control, and protection.
Here’s why so many of our clients choose to create a trust:
Protecting Assets from Risk
Life can be unpredictable. Without the right planning, external factors could erode your family’s inheritance.
- Divorce or separation – If a beneficiary goes through a divorce, assets inherited outright may form part of their divorce settlement. A trust can prevent this.
- Creditors or debt – Trusts can shield family wealth from creditors if a beneficiary experiences financial difficulties.
- Poor financial management – Some beneficiaries may not be ready to handle large sums in a responsible way. A trust ensures that someone manages their inheritance wisely.
Example: A parent sets up a discretionary trust to pass property to their children. The trustees control when and how the distribute funds. This protects the assets if one child divorces or struggles financially.
Inheritance & Succession Planning
A trust gives you greater control over how your estate gets distributed.
- You can decide who benefits, when they benefit, and to what extent.
- Trusts allow you to plan across generations. This enables you to preserve assets for children, grandchildren, or future heirs.
- By setting clear rules, you reduce the risk of family disputes that often arise.
Example: A grandparent leaves their business assets in trust. This preserves the business for the grandchildren but managed by experienced trustees until the children are old enough to take over.
Tax Efficiency
Trusts can help reduce inheritance tax (IHT) and capital gains tax (CGT) liabilities. However, the rules are complex.
- Certain trusts remove assets from your estate for IHT purposes, potentially reducing tax on death.
- We can structure Discretionary Trusts to minimise tax and provide flexibility.
- Trusts can help manage capital gains when transferring property or investments.
Important: Tax advantages depend on personal circumstances and must be planned carefully with legal and financial advice.
Providing for Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Trusts are invaluable if you have loved ones who need extra protection.
- Children under 18 – Trusts appoint a responsible person to manage assets until the beneficiaries are old enough to inherit.
- Disabled or vulnerable relatives – Special needs trusts allow beneficiaries to receive financial support without affecting entitlement to state benefits.
- Dependents who need lifetime support – You can provide ongoing income or housing for a spouse, child, or dependent for life.
Example: A couple sets up a disabled person’s trust for their adult child with special needs. This ensures financial security without disrupting state benefit eligibility.
Privacy & Avoiding Probate
Unlike Wills, which become public documents during probate, Trusts can keep your affairs private.
- Assets held in trust usually don’t go through probate.
- This saves time, reduces costs, and avoids the public disclosure of your estate.
- It allows your beneficiaries to access support more quickly.
Example: A family creates a living trust to transfer property. On death, the trust continues seamlessly, avoiding the long delays of probate.
Flexibility & Control
Trusts aren’t one-size-fits-all. We can tailor to your exact needs.
- You decide the terms of the trust – how it manages assets, when it releases them, and who benefits.
- You can give trustees the discretion to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Trusts can last for decades, offering continuity across generations.
How Ringrose Law Trusts Solicitors Can Help You
At Ringrose Law, we provide full-service support for every stage of setting up and managing a trust.
Tailored Legal Advice
We’ll review your personal circumstances and assets before recommending the most suitable type of trust. Types of Trusts we can help with include:
- Bare Trusts – simple trusts, often used for children.
- Discretionary Trusts – flexible arrangements let trustees decide how to distribute the assets.
- Interest in Possession Trusts – providing beneficiaries with income for life while preserving capital.
- Charitable Trusts – enabling you to leave a lasting legacy through charitable giving.
- Trusts for Minors & Vulnerable Persons – protecting young or dependent relatives.
Drafting & Setting Up the Trust
We'll make sure your trust deed is legally watertight, protecting you against future challenges.
Ongoing Trustee Support
We provide guidance on trustee duties, tax submissions, compliance, and annual reviews.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
If disagreements arise between trustees and beneficiaries, our we can step in to resolve matters quickly and fairly.
Why Choose Ringrose Law as Your Trusts Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor to help you set up and manage a trust is incredibly important. At Ringrose Law, we combine expertise, compassion, and a proven track record to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Here’s why so many families place their trust in us:
Decades of Experience in Estate Planning and Private Client Law
Our estate planning team has been advising individuals and families for generations. We understand the complexities of trust law, inheritance tax, and estate planning and we know how to structure Trusts that stand the test of time.
Whether you have a modest estate or a complex portfolio including businesses and property, our solicitors have the expertise to guide you.
Tailored Solutions Based on Your wishes and Family Circumstances
No two families are the same, and no two trusts should be either. We take the time to get to know you, your assets, and your long-term wishes.
This means the trust we create for you will be perfectly aligned with your objectives. Whether that’s protecting a vulnerable child, safeguarding a family business, or reducing your inheritance tax exposure.
Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Costs
Legal advice should never come with unwelcome surprises. That’s why we provide clear, upfront pricing and, where possible, fixed-fee arrangements.
You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, giving you confidence and control over the process.
Handled with Care
Talking about Trusts often involves discussing death, incapacity, and family conflicts. Subjects that can feel deeply personal and emotional.
Our solicitors handle these conversations with sensitivity and understanding. We’re here not just as legal advisors, but as trusted guides who will listen, reassure, and support you at every stage.
A Reputation Built on Reliability and Results
Our reputation is built on trust, professionalism, and results. Families come back to us generation after generation because they know we deliver.
When you instruct us, you’re choosing a firm with integrity and a proven commitment to protecting what matters most to you.
Speak to Our Trusts Solicitors Today
Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts