United Kingdom: Trusts

Understanding the complexities of inheritance tax on trusts can be challenging for practitioners navigating Scottish private client law. This practical guide demystifies the 10-year anniversary charge, providing essential insights into calculation methods, exemptions, and strategic planning considerations that trustees and advisors need to master.

Macfarlanes has secured proprietary injunctions over £12.6 million in assets following what a judge described as a "remarkable" settlement process involving Pride Planning and trustees of a funeral plan trust. The case centers on allegations that trustees breached their fiduciary duties by rapidly settling a claim and transferring all trust assets to Pride Planning, leaving nothing for customers who had not transferred to Dignity. The court found a good arguable case that the settlement constituted a b

Blended families face unique estate planning challenges when balancing the needs of a surviving partner with preserving assets for children from previous relationships. Without proper planning, the intestacy rules in England and Wales often fail to reflect modern family structures, potentially leaving partners vulnerable and children without their expected inheritance.