Trusts are one of the most reliable ways to protect family wealth, support loved ones, and ensure assets are managed exactly as you intend.
Because trusts can involve complex legal and tax considerations, working with experienced trust specialist solicitors is essential.
If you need advice on creating, reviewing or managing a trust, contact our expert team today.
At Monan Gozzett, our trusts and estates lawyers advise clients across England and Wales on setting up trusts, administering them, and resolving disputes.
Whether you are planning for the future, updating your will, acting as a trustee, or dealing with an existing trust, we provide clear, tailored guidance to help you make confident decisions.
What Are Trusts?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed by trustees for the benefit of designated beneficiaries.
Trusts remain an effective tool for succession planning and long-term family protection, even though certain structures have become less common due to tax changes.
When creating a trust, you decide:
- who will manage the assets (the trustees)
- who will benefit from them (the beneficiaries)
Trust assets can include property, land, savings, investments, business shares, and personal valuables.
For support with preparing or updating your will alongside a trust, visit our Will Writing Solicitors page.
Types of Trusts We Advise On
Our team provides specialist advice on a wide range of trusts used in England and Wales, including:
- Discretionary trusts
- Bare trusts
- Life interest trusts
- Interest-in-possession trusts
- Will trusts
- Vulnerable beneficiary trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Trusts for succession planning and asset protection
Choosing the correct structure is essential — each trust carries its own tax rules, advantages and responsibilities.
Taxable Income Within a Trust
Assets placed in a trust can still generate income, which may be subject to tax.
The tax position varies depending on the type of trust and how assets are managed.
For guidance on structuring a trust in the most tax-efficient way, see our Inheritance Tax Planning page.
Why Are Trusts Important?
Trusts offer significant benefits when used correctly.
They can help you:
- Protect family wealth for future generations
- Reduce potential liability for Inheritance Tax
- Support someone who cannot manage their own affairs
- Transfer assets during your lifetime
- Manage inheritance if someone dies without a will
Where decisions involve vulnerable individuals, our Court of Protection solicitors can also support.
For wider planning, visit our Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors page.
How Our Trusts Solicitors Can Help
Whether you’re establishing a new trust or managing an existing one, Monan Gozzett offers complete, specialist support.
Planning & Establishing a Trust
We help you:
- Understand available trust types and tax implications
- Select the best structure for your goals
- Prepare all legal documentation accurately
- Align trusts with your broader will and estate plan
Trustee Support & Ongoing Administration
Acting as a trustee carries important legal responsibilities.
We assist with:
- Reviewing trust suitability and performance
- Advising on your duties and obligations
- HMRC trust registration
- Tax reporting requirements
- Managing distributions
- Winding up the trust when appropriate
For related support once someone passes away, see our Probate Solicitors page.
Trust Disputes
Disagreements may arise regarding trustee decisions, the distribution of assets, or the interpretation of the trust deed. Our dispute specialists can help you resolve matters efficiently.
Learn more: Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes
Contact Our Trusts Solicitors
Monan Gozzett has a national team of experienced trusts and estates lawyers, offering both in-person and virtual appointments.
We work with clients across Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Manchester, Yorkshire and the wider UK.
Find out more about our office locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts
Most types of assets can be placed into a trust, including property, land, savings, investments, business shares, jewellery, vehicles and artwork. If transferring assets through your will, see our Will Writing Solicitors page.
Conflicting instructions can create uncertainty. We recommend reviewing your will every five years and whenever you create or change a trust to ensure both documents align.
Common trust types include discretionary trusts, bare trusts, interest-in-possession trusts, life-interest trusts, will trusts, vulnerable beneficiary trusts, and charitable trusts.
While not legally required, a solicitor ensures your trust is legally sound, tax-efficient and aligned with your estate planning objectives — reducing the risk of future disputes.
Most trusts can last up to 125 years, although the exact duration depends on the trust deed and family circumstances.
Trustees manage the assets and must act in the beneficiaries’ best interests, follow the trust deed and comply with tax obligations.
Some trusts can be varied or wound up, depending on their structure. Changes may require beneficiary consent or, in some cases, court approval.
Assets held in a trust typically bypass probate, speeding up the administration process. For full guidance, visit our Probate Solicitors page.
Certain trusts may assist with asset protection, but deliberate deprivation rules are strict. We can advise whether a trust is appropriate for your situation.
Trustees may be responsible for Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and, in some cases, Inheritance Tax, depending on the trust type and the assets held.
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.
Please note that we are unable to offer free legal advice. Our client services team are here to take your case details and explain any costs involved