Estate Planning

Many European countries apply ‘forced heirship’ as part of their succession law. In Spain, France, Portugal, Malta and Cyprus, your estate may be automatically divided between your spouse and children. Such laws even apply in part in Scotland.

UK nationals may be able to override this rule through European regulation that lets you apply British law to your estate. We can help you make sure your legacy goes exactly where you want it to in the most tax-efficient way.

Inheritance tax rates, where applied, can vary greatly depending on your relationship with each beneficiary. For example, stepchildren may be treated as ‘non-relatives’ and pay significantly more tax than their siblings, and unmarried couples may not be recognised as family and face higher rates. We can legitimately protect your heirs from paying more tax than necessary.

Might you want to keep some control over when your heirs receive your gift and how they can use it? For example, delaying the timing of an inheritance until your heirs reach a specified age, or ring-fencing what you leave so it can only be used, say, for your grandchildren’s education.

Our personal advice can ensure your wealth will be distributed as you wish, without leaving a hefty tax bill.

You will remain liable to UK inheritance tax on your worldwide assets for up to 10 years after moving abroad. Assets located in the UK are always assessed for this tax, regardless of when you left the UK. From 2027 this will include pension funds.

We understand how UK inheritance tax interacts with the tax in your country of residence, so we can ensure your estate ends up in the right hands without attracting unnecessary taxes.

Alongside pension planning, we provide a range of services to offer a genuinely holistic approach to financial planning:

Tax planning
Minimising the tax you pay on income, gains, pensions, wealth and inheritances

Investments
Preserving your wealth through investment strategies tailored for you and your personal circumstances

Pensions
Organising your affairs so that your legacy can be passed to your chosen heirs as tax-efficiently as possible, in both the UK and your resident country

Trusts
Advising on and administering trustee and corporate structures, where they suit your financial objectives