Estate Planning

Nothing in life is as certain as death and taxes. Given the choice we would choose to have our affairs in order and be certain that assets are passed down in accordance with our wishes.

Most of us want to ensure that children and other beneficiaries inherit our wealth but fail to choose the best and most effective estate planning strategy because:

• Most single people fail to appreciate the risks involved in leaving assets directly to beneficiaries.

• Many couples leave everything to a surviving spouse, which whilst this is very understandable can cause problems.

Unless your Will incorporates specific trusts you are running a significant risk of family wealth being eroded and falling into the hands of unintended beneficiaries.

Some instances when this may occur include:

• Increasing a beneficiaries Inheritance Tax liability.
• Divorce following an inheritance and the amount being included in the settlement.
• The suing of a beneficiary meaning the inheritance is included in the compensation assessment
• A surviving spouse remarries and subsequently divorces resulting in a reduction of family wealth.

We firmly believe that all clients should plan carefully for the future and we can help by providing a very effective solution to these potential problems.

Managing family wealth through the generations is becoming an increasingly important issue for many clients and we can work with you directly or in association with your BBT Asset Management Adviser.

BBT Estate Planning services include Lasting Power of Attorney, Wills, Trusts and Tenancy issues. We can ensure that when death occurs, by working in conjunction with family and professional advisers probate is dealt with in an efficient and cost effective manner.