Wills · Trusts
Protect what you leave with a trust in your will
A trust lets people you trust look after money or property for someone else, so it reaches the right people at the right time.
Why families choose a trust
- Children don't inherit outright at 18, whatever their maturity.
- A partner can be looked after for life, while your share of the home still passes to your children.
- An inheritance can be protected from a beneficiary's divorce, debts or bankruptcy.
- A disabled or vulnerable loved one can be supported without losing means-tested benefits.
Trust services
Trusts in your will: choose the right protection
A trust lets chosen people (your trustees) look after money or property for someone else. We'll recommend the right type on your call and confirm the fee before any trust work starts.
| Trust type | Control and flexibility | Main benefit | Often chosen when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare trust | Fixed: the child takes everything at 18 | Simple; the young beneficiary is entitled outright at 18 | You're leaving money to children or grandchildren and are happy for them to receive it at 18 |
| Discretionary trust | High: trustees decide who gets what, and when | Protects assets from a beneficiary's debts or divorce, and adapts to future needs | A beneficiary has money worries, a shaky marriage, or circumstances that may change |
| Life interest trust | Fixed order: your partner first, then your children | Supports a surviving spouse or partner for life while protecting the capital for your children | Second marriages and blended families, or protecting the home from remarriage or care costs |
| Vulnerable beneficiary trust | High: trustees manage everything | Tailored support, designed so the beneficiary keeps their eligibility for means-tested benefits | A loved one is disabled, vulnerable, or receives means-tested benefits |
Trusts can carry their own tax and reporting rules, such as inheritance tax charges on discretionary trusts and registration with HMRC's Trust Registration Service. We explain what applies to you before you decide. Will with a trust: from £395, or from £695 for mirror wills with a trust.
Trust registration support
£85 per application
For trustees who need to register a trust on HMRC's Trust Registration Service, for example a will trust that continues more than 2 years after death or becomes liable to tax. We prepare a pack with everything HMRC asks for, then guide you through registering on a video call. You submit the registration yourself on your own Government Gateway account; we don't log in or submit it for you. HMRC doesn't charge for registration.
Ready to start?
Choose a will with a trust and answer the questions. Not sure which trust? Tick "Not sure" and we'll advise on your call.