Estate planning solicitors
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Our team of experienced estate planning lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the way of estate planning, ensuring that your assets are protected and your wishes are carried out.
Whether you’re looking to create a will, establish a trust, or plan for inheritance tax, we have the expertise to help you achieve your goals and secure your financial future.
In the event of your death or incapacitation, it’s vital that you have all the necessary paperwork and legal arrangements in place so that you can make sure your family and loved ones will be cared for. That’s why planning your estate is so important, so that you are aware of the total value of your assets and how you will divide it amongst those you wish to inherit it.
By starting early you can work out how to most effectively pass on your assets, so as to reduce the amount of inheritance tax that will be calculated, as well as account for any debts and bills that will have to be paid.
At Moore Barlow, our skilled estate planning solicitors have successfully helped many clients to plan for their future confidently, so that you feel as though you have control over your assets and who they’ll be passed onto. We can also help you to set up trusts so that you know what your money will be used for and attempt to minimise the amount of inheritance tax with the right strategy in place.
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What is an estate?
An estate refers to the total assets and property owned by a person, including their savings, investments, and personal possessions.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of planning for the future distribution of an individual’s assets and property after their death. This includes making a will, setting up trusts, and making arrangements for powers of attorney.
How can you pass on your assets in the most effective way?
There are ways to pass on your assets that will mean the amount of inheritance tax can be reduced and your loved ones can receive more long term. Seeking the help of an estate planning solicitor means that you can work out how to do this, as well as control how it will be used. Some clients want their money to be used for school fees or put into a savings account for the future of a grandchild, it is a very personal decision.
Making financial gifts to family and loved ones is an efficient way to gradually give away money with less inheritance tax applied to it. These can either be given informally or set up as part of trust funds that are controlled by a trustee, so that they can only be used at certain times and for specific purposes.
Can you pass on your pension?
In some cases, you may be able to afford to fund your retirement without having to access your pension. If this applies to you then you can make sure your loved ones are looked after by passing on your pension without it being taxed.
This also helps the size of your estate that is taxed to be reduced, which can also be useful when it comes to inheritance tax.
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Do you need a power of attorney?
In the event that you become incapacitated, you may want to think about appointing a power of attorney. This is someone who will look after your estate in the event that you are not able to confidently make decisions regarding your finances. It’s important to choose someone that you trust and who will make the best decisions for you and your estate.
What is an advance healthcare directive?
These are the plans put in place in case you become ill and require healthcare but are unable to make decisions about your own choice of care. In this section you will need to outline how and what medical care you wish to receive, as well as appointing a medical power of attorney who can make any decisions that haven’t been planned for in advance. It is important to make sure that you have the plans in place, in the case that you are unable to express them for yourself i.e. you are in a coma.
Do you need to make funeral arrangements?
Finally, it is also important that you make sure you outline in your estate planning, what funeral arrangements you would prefer and how these will be financed. This means that your loved ones are aware of your specific wishes and requests regarding your funeral, so that you get the send-off that you want after you have passed on.
Why choose our estate planning solicitors?
Choosing our estate planning solicitors means choosing a team of experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of estate planning and can provide tailored solutions to protect your wealth. We offer comprehensive services including wills, trusts, and estate administration to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected. Our approach is client-focused and we strive to provide clear and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your estate planning needs. Trust us to help you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.
How can our estate planning solicitors help?
If you need an estate planning solicitor, we can help you protect your wealth and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. We can provide expert advice on wills, trusts, and estate planning, and help you navigate complex legal issues to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order and your legacy is secured.
We have offices based in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking. We’re ideally placed to offer specialist advice and support on a local and national level.
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My experience has been the provision of a very client centered service, with a focus on the specific needs of the client. The team collaborates well, thus being able to provide a cohesive and comprehensive service that meets individual needs.
Legal 500, 2025
Moore Barlow LLP’s private client department offers London quality advice without the premium of London prices. The breadth of work undertaken by them is wide and of very high quality. They are able to steer their clients through difficulties with ease.
Legal 500, 2024
We have consulted Moore Barlow, and for some years we have not found it necessary to consult other firms. Clear and incisive advice, unfailing professionalism and a relationship-orientated approach characterises the firm.
Legal 500, 2022
An excellent private client team – they offer an extremely professional an efficient service, and are friendly and approachable at a competitive price point.
Legal 500, 2021
Moore Barlow continues to build on its reputation as a go-to firm for high-net-worth individuals, landed estates and family trusts, regarding claims concerning the validity and execution of wills and trusts, and claims against trustees for breach of their fiduciary duties.