Wills, trusts and probate

Setting up a trust

Clear advice on the right trust, the right trustees and the right documentation, so your assets are protected as you intend.

Make an enquiry Call 01543 263 456

+4 more

Your wills, trusts and probate team

In short

A trust is a legal arrangement where trustees hold assets for the benefit of someone else, and it sets out who can benefit, when and on what terms. Ansons Law's solicitors advise individuals and families on suitable trust options, such as discretionary trusts and life interest trusts, and prepare the documentation correctly. A trust can protect assets for children, provide for a partner while protecting what passes to your family later and support vulnerable beneficiaries.

Head of wills, probate and trusts: David Lane, Director
Types of trust: Including discretionary trusts and life interest trusts
Trustees: Family members or a professional trustee in more complex situations
Registration: Some trusts must be registered, and trustees may have ongoing responsibilities

What is a trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are held by trustees for the benefit of someone else. The trust sets out who can benefit, when and on what terms. Trusts can be useful where you want greater control over how assets are managed, who benefits and when.

Trust planning is not one size fits all. The right solution depends on your family circumstances, the assets involved and what you are trying to achieve. Our solicitors advise individuals and families across the Midlands on suitable trust options and prepare the documentation correctly, with clear, practical guidance throughout.

When is a trust worth considering?

A trust may be worth considering if you want to protect assets for children, or to provide for a partner while safeguarding what ultimately passes to your family. It can also help you plan for more complex circumstances, such as second marriages and blended families.

Trusts can also be appropriate where a beneficiary may need support managing money, or where you want control over when assets are accessed.

How do you choose the right type of trust?

There are different types of trust, including discretionary trusts and life interest trusts, and each has different legal and tax implications. The right option depends on your aims and your wider estate planning.

We explain the choices in plain English and recommend a suitable approach, including how the trustees should act, what powers they should have and what practical steps are required to put the trust in place.

Why are trusts used in estate planning?

Trusts can add protection and control when the circumstances call for it.

Control over assets. Set rules for how assets are managed and when beneficiaries can benefit.
Protection for children. Hold assets safely for younger beneficiaries or for future generations.
Support for vulnerable beneficiaries. Create a structure to protect someone who may need help managing their finances.
Planning for blended families. Provide for a partner while protecting what should pass to children later.
Reduced risk of disputes. Clear structures and documentation can reduce ambiguity and conflict.
Joined-up planning. Align trusts with your will, lasting powers of attorney and wider estate planning.

What we do

What a trust can help with

We explain the options clearly and recommend the right approach for your circumstances.

Protecting assets for children and future generations
Providing for a partner while protecting assets for children
Managing assets for vulnerable beneficiaries
Reducing the risk of family disputes
Control over when beneficiaries receive assets
Holding property or investments in a trust
Choosing trustees and setting clear powers and duties
Reviewing existing trusts and trustee responsibilities
Trust registration and ongoing compliance guidance where needed

Questions

Questions about trusts

What is a trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where trustees hold assets for the benefit of someone else. The trust sets out who can benefit, when and on what terms.

What types of trust are there?

There are several types, including discretionary trusts and life interest trusts. The right choice depends on your aims and the legal and tax implications in your circumstances.

Who should be a trustee?

Trustees should be people you trust to act responsibly and in the beneficiaries' best interests. Some people appoint family members; others prefer a professional trustee in more complex situations.

Can a trust protect assets from care fees?

Trust planning must be approached carefully. There is no guaranteed solution, and the right advice depends on timing and circumstances. We can explain the principles and advise on appropriate, legitimate options.

Do trusts have tax implications?

They can. Trust taxation depends on the trust type and the assets involved. We explain the practical implications and, where appropriate, liaise with your accountant or financial adviser.

Do trusts need to be registered?

Some trusts must be registered, and trustees may have ongoing responsibilities. We can advise what applies and guide you through the steps.

Can you review an existing trust?

Yes. We can review existing trusts and the trustees' responsibilities, including registration and ongoing compliance where needed.

Can a trust help in a blended family?

It can. A trust can provide for a partner while protecting what should pass to your children later. Clear structures and documentation can also reduce the risk of disputes.

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 setting up a trust

Tell us what you are looking to achieve and we will route your enquiry to the right person. A short conversation is often enough to clarify your options and confirm the next step.

Call 01543 263 456

Offices