Wills, trusts and probate

Inheritance tax and care fees planning

Put the right planning in place and protect what matters most, with clear advice on your will and how your assets are held.

Make an enquiry Call 01543 263 456

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Your wills, trusts and probate team

In short

Inheritance tax planning means understanding what could be taxable in your estate and putting sensible arrangements in place to reflect your wishes. Ansons Law's wills and probate solicitors review your will, how your assets are owned and whether lifetime gifts or trusts are appropriate, and explain how the local authority care fees assessment works in principle. There is no one size fits all answer: the right approach depends on your assets, family circumstances and timescales.

Head of wills, probate and trusts: David Lane, Director
Planning can cover: Your will, how assets are owned, lifetime gifts and trusts
Care fees: How the local authority assessment works, explained in principle
Joined-up advice: We can liaise with your financial adviser and accountant
Later life planning: Including lasting powers of attorney

What is inheritance tax planning?

Inheritance tax and care fees are two common concerns when people review their wills and wider estate planning. Inheritance tax planning is about understanding what could be taxable in your estate and putting sensible arrangements in place to reflect your wishes. It often involves reviewing your will, how assets are owned and whether gifting or trust planning is appropriate.

The rules can be complex, and what is right for one family may not be right for another. We give clear, practical advice to help you understand your options, review how assets are held and put sensible planning in place. The aim is to reduce uncertainty, avoid problems later and make sure your wishes are properly reflected.

When is it worth taking advice?

It is sensible to take advice if your estate has grown, your family circumstances are not straightforward or you want to plan ahead for later life.

Many people also seek guidance after buying or selling property, receiving an inheritance or starting or selling a business. Others want to make gifts but are unsure how to structure them.

Can you plan ahead for care fees?

Care fees planning is not about quick fixes. It is about understanding the rules, making informed decisions early and avoiding steps that could create problems later.

We can explain how the local authority assessment works in principle, and help you put appropriate, legitimate arrangements in place that fit your wider estate planning.

How can we help?

Practical advice, clearly explained, with the right documents put in place.

Estate review and priorities. A clear review of your assets, your family circumstances and what you are trying to achieve.
Will and ownership alignment. Making sure your will, property ownership and intended outcomes match.
Trust and protection options. Advice on trust structures where appropriate, and drafting where needed.
Lifetime gifting guidance. Support to structure gifts sensibly and keep the right records.
Joined-up professional support. Where needed, we can liaise with financial advisers and accountants so everything is consistent.
Keeping plans under review. Planning should stay relevant as circumstances and rules change over time.

What we do

What planning can cover

We help you understand the options and document decisions properly, so your plans are clear and workable.

Reviewing your will alongside your wider estate plans
Understanding available allowances, reliefs and exemptions
Lifetime gifts and how they fit into a wider plan
Property ownership and whether changes should be considered
Trust options, including planning for children and vulnerable beneficiaries
Planning for blended families and second marriages
Business and asset considerations where appropriate
Care fees considerations, including avoiding unintended issues
Lasting powers of attorney as part of later life planning

Questions

Questions about inheritance tax and care fees

What is inheritance tax planning?

Inheritance tax planning is about understanding what could be taxable in your estate and putting sensible arrangements in place to reflect your wishes. It often involves reviewing your will, how assets are owned and whether gifting or trust planning is appropriate.

Can I reduce inheritance tax legally?

In many cases there are legitimate ways to reduce inheritance tax exposure. The right approach depends on your assets, family circumstances and timescales. It should be part of a wider plan rather than a single action.

Does gifting money reduce inheritance tax?

Gifting can form part of inheritance tax planning, but the impact depends on timing, the type of gift and your wider circumstances. It is important to keep good records and make sure gifting does not compromise your own future needs.

Should I change how I own my home?

Sometimes, but not always. Property ownership can affect what happens on death and how well a will works in practice. We can advise whether a change is appropriate based on your situation and objectives.

Can a trust help with inheritance tax or protecting children?

A trust can be useful in some circumstances, particularly where there are young beneficiaries, blended families or a need to protect vulnerable beneficiaries. Whether it is suitable depends on the wider plan.

Can I protect my home from care fees?

There is no one size fits all answer. The rules are complex and planning should be done carefully and early. We can explain the principles, help you avoid common pitfalls and advise on appropriate steps as part of later life planning.

Do you work with financial advisers and accountants?

Yes. Where needed, we can liaise with your financial adviser and accountant so that your planning is consistent.

Accreditations and awards

The Legal 500 UK 2025 (opens in a new tab)
Nachural Summer Business Awards 2024: winner
East Midlands Rainmaker Awards 2025: shortlisted

Talk to us about inheritance tax and care fees

Tell us your situation and we will route your enquiry to the right person. A short conversation is often enough to clarify your options and the next step.

Call 01543 263 456

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