What is a Trust?

A trust is the formal transfer of assets (it might be property, shares or just cash) to a small group of people (usually two) or to a trust company with instructions that they hold the assets for the benefit of others.

If the trust is to be made in your lifetime, to take immediate effect, then it is usually evidenced by a trust deed.  If it is to be created on or shortly after your death then the trust provisions must be set out in your Will – a ‘Will Trust’.  Whether by lifetime settlement or by Will, the trust document states who are responsible for looking after the gifted assets (the trustees), who are to benefit (the beneficiaries) and any rules or conditions that the trustees and beneficiaries must adhere to.  Additionally it must specify clearly the initial trust property sometimes called the Trust Fund.

Trusts are an excellent way to preserve and protect the family’s assets and safely pass them down to the next generation.  Trusts continue to provide significant inheritance, capital gains and income tax benefits as well as provide the flexibility to ensure that changing family situations are taken care of.

Why Create a Trust?

Trusts offer a range of benefits including financial security, reduced inheritance tax liability, and peace of mind for the future. Creating a trust for yourself or your family can help with:

• Succession planning – reduce inheritance payable on your death
• Provision of private education and maintenance for grandchildren
• Effective use of secret trusts
• Provision of care home fees for elderly parents
• Provision for university fees for children
• Asset protection from spendthrift beneficiaries
• Setting up a trust for a disabled person
• Asset protection from the events of bankruptcy and divorce

For further information on how you can use trusts to protect yourself and your family, get in touch with our team. We offer a wide range of trust types and can advice on the best approach for your situation.