5 Reasons to Put a Trust in Your Will
When people hear the word trust, they often think of something complicated, expensive, or only for the wealthy.
But here’s the truth: a trust in your Will can be one of the most powerful tools to protect your family, and it's often just as important for ordinary people as it is for the super-rich.
Whether you’re leaving things to children, worrying about care fees, or just want to make sure things are handled properly… a Will Trust might be the answer.
Let’s break it down, simply.
1. Protect your home from being sold to pay for care
Many people worry about needing long-term care and the family home having to be sold. A Property Protection Trust in your Will can help.
If you own your home with someone else, like a partner or spouse, this trust lets them keep living there even after you’ve gone, but your share of the home is protected for your children (or whoever you choose). This can offer peace of mind that your share can’t be lost to care fees or future relationships.
2. Make sure young children are looked after properly
If your children are under 18, a trust means their inheritance is safely managed by someone you choose, until they reach an age you’re comfortable with, not automatically at 18.
You can even stagger it (e.g. some at 21, more at 25), so they don’t get a lump sum all at once before they’re ready.
3. Support someone with a disability or additional needs
A trust can ensure your loved one is supported financially, without affecting their benefits or putting a large sum directly in their name.
You choose who manages it, and how it’s used, giving your loved one security, without stress or risk.
4. Avoid family arguments
When money is left outright, things can get messy. Trusts allow you to set conditions, choose trustees to manage things, and avoid unintended consequences, especially in blended families or complex situations.
It can also protect the money from being passed on to people you wouldn’t have chosen (for example, ex-partners or new spouses).
5. Add flexibility for future changes
Life doesn’t stay the same. A Discretionary Trust in your Will gives your trustees the ability to respond to whatever your beneficiaries need at the time, rather than locking in fixed amounts that might not suit in 10 or 20 years.
This is especially useful when you want to help your children or grandchildren, but don’t know now what their lives will look like in future.
I can help you find the right trust for your situation
You don’t have to figure all this out alone. I’ll listen to your circumstances and talk you through the options, clearly and simply.
I offer appointments across much of the South West in person, and virtually via secure Zoom if you’re further afield. I also post the final documents to you for signing, so distance is never a problem.
If you’ve got questions or want to talk through your options, just get in touch.