This area covers creating, administering and distributing trusts under English law, including settlors, trustees and beneficiaries, and the related duties around trust management, tax, and succession planning. A solicitor in this field drafts trust deeds, revises terms for beneficiaries, registers trusts, and handles trustee appointments, variations, and disputes. They may also advise on the use of trusts for estate planning, disability needs, and asset protection, and liaise with HMRC and other authorities when required.
Why this work is usually handled by a solicitor
A solicitor in this area handles complex drafting of trust instruments, duties of trustees, distribution strategies, and the interplay with taxation, settlor protections, and regulatory requirements. They ensure compliance with professional standards, handle trust registration, accounts, and potential disputes, and provide counsel on changes in beneficiaries or powers, including how these affect ownership and control of assets.
