Trusts

At Grant Saw Solicitors, our private client lawyers and trusts specialists provide practical, tailored advice to help high net worth individuals and their families structure their financial affairs clearly and tax efficiently. Whether you are setting up lifetime trusts, acting as trustees, or navigating complex assets and cross border issues, our specialist team works alongside you and your professional advisers to deliver solutions with lasting peace of mind.

Comprehensive trusts and estate planning services in London

Our Trusts team advises individuals, families, trustees and beneficiaries on all aspects of trusts and related estate planning matters. We provide clear, practical advice on succession planning, wealth preservation and asset protection, with a focus on ensuring arrangements are legally robust, tax‑efficient and appropriate for your circumstances.

Our advice is tailored to the needs of high‑net‑worth clients, including those with business interests, international assets or complex family arrangements.

Creation of lifetime trusts

We advise on the establishment of lifetime trusts, including discretionary trust arrangements, for clients who wish to transfer wealth during lifetime while protecting assets for future generations.

Lifetime trusts may be particularly suitable where clients:

• have a large or complex estate
• wish to provide for minor or vulnerable beneficiaries
• hold significant property, business interests, pension or insurance assets
• require a structured approach to long‑term wealth preservation

We also advise on alternative or complementary asset protection structures, such as Family Investment Companies and declarations of trust. Our advice considers inheritance tax, income tax and capital gains tax implications to ensure your affairs are structured in the most appropriate and effective way.

Advice for trustees

Acting as a trustee involves significant legal duties and responsibility. We advise professional and lay trustees on the practical and technical aspects of trust administration, including:

• compliance with trust law and relevant Finance Acts
• Trust Registration Service (TRS) reporting obligations
• liaising with beneficiaries on distributions and trust matters
• preparation of trust and estate accounts
• completion of trust tax returns
• inheritance tax and capital gains tax advice
• ongoing record‑keeping and administration
• coordination with investment managers, accountants and other advisers

We understand that trustee responsibilities can be time‑consuming and technically demanding. Our role is to provide clear, practical support to help trustees fulfil their duties confidently while managing risk and protecting themselves from potential personal liability.

Advice for beneficiaries

If you are a trust beneficiary, we can advise on your entitlement under the trust deed and what you can reasonably expect from the trustees. This includes guidance on rights to information, distributions and involvement in trustee decision‑making.

We provide clear, measured advice while remaining sensitive to family relationships and the practical operation of different trust structures, including discretionary and charitable trusts.

Cross‑border trusts and international estate planning

Trust and estate planning involving international assets or overseas family connections requires specialist advice. Trust structures are not always recognised in other jurisdictions, which can create legal and tax complications.

We advise clients with assets, property or business interests in more than one country, and work with overseas advisers where necessary to ensure compliance with local laws and UK tax obligations. Our advice includes income tax and capital gains tax implications of holding international assets, as well as UK‑specific guidance for non‑resident trustees.

Reviewing existing trusts

Trusts are often designed to operate for many years and should be reviewed periodically. We advise on trusts created under a Will, during lifetime, or following a death, and review existing arrangements to ensure they remain appropriate, compliant and aligned with your objectives.

Reviews are particularly important where there have been changes in family circumstances, asset values or tax legislation.

Succession planning and business interests

For clients with family businesses or significant business interests, succession planning is often a key part of wider estate planning. We work with business owners to structure arrangements for the transfer of business interests to the next generation, taking into account inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax considerations.

Our advice includes Business Property Relief, share structures and the use of trust arrangements where appropriate, ensuring succession planning aligns with both family objectives and commercial realities.

Why choose Grant Saw for trusts and estate planning in London?

Each family’s circumstances are different, and we provide tailored, practical advice that is legally robust, proportionate and appropriate to your objectives. We are known for our straightforward and honest guidance, helping clients navigate trusts with clarity and confidence by addressing common misconceptions and explaining options clearly. Our team works closely with colleagues across our Property, Family Law, Commercial and Litigation departments, ensuring seamless advice on all matters affecting your wealth. Our specialist expertise is reinforced by membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to the highest professional standards in private client work.

Contact our trusts team

For more information about our trusts and estate planning services in London, or to arrange an appointment please contact our specialist team. For more information, please email privateclient@grantsaw.co.uk or contact the team on 020 8858 6971.