Complex Wills
Expert estate planning services at Goughs Solicitors
What is a complex will?
Unlike a standard Will, a complex Will offers a more personalised approach, tailored to address specific needs such as minimising inheritance tax, protecting family members through trusts, or ensuring smooth business succession.
Whether you own a business, property, or have assets abroad, our expert team at Goughs will guide you through the process of creating a Will that safeguards your estate and provides peace of mind for you and your beneficiaries. There are many scenarios where a complex Will may be necessary to ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes.
Making a will
For many people, making a Will is an important task that is often put off. However, it is the safest way to make sure that your wealth and assets are protected.
Our team at Goughs can help you update your will at key points in your life whether that be the birth of a child or buying a new house.
Why do you need a Complex Will?
Many do not realise they need a complex Will. However, if your personal, financial or family circumstances involve complexities that a standard Will cannot adequately address, then a complex Will may benefit you. This includes situations where:
- You have vulnerable beneficiaries, such as young children or dependents with disabilities
- You own international assets
- You face residency issues
- You have a high-value estate
- You are in a committed relationship without marriage or civil partnership
- You are separated or remarried and need to ensure your wishes are clearly reflected and legally protected
Providing financial security for vulnerable beneficiaries
If you have vulnerable beneficiaries, a complex Will provides financial security through trusts, ensuring funds are managed responsibly and released at appropriate times.
Succession planning for business owners
For business owners, a complex Will facilitates seamless succession planning, protecting your enterprise and securing its future while reducing tax liabilities.
Addressing International and High-Value Estates
Individuals with international assets, residency issues, or high-value estates can also benefit from a complex Will as it;
- Addresses cross-border challenges
- Ensures compliance with varying laws
- Provides clear asset distribution to prevent disputes
Safeguarding assets and supporting specific goals
Setting up trusts within a complex Will helps:
- Safeguard assets
- Preserve wealth for future generations
- Support specific goals, such as funding education or aiding charitable causes
Speak to a solicitor
Whether you’re navigating a complex will involving multiple beneficiaries, trusts, or international assets, or you have specific legal questions about estate planning, our experienced solicitors are here to help. Whether you prefer to call, email, or visit one of our seven offices, we are ready to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your needs.
Call us
With seven offices around the South West of England, we have multiple offices you can call.
Email us
If you would like to drop us an email you can on info@goughs.co.uk
Visit us
With offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, you can pop in and see us. View office locations.
Complex Wills FAQ’s
If your estate is large, if you have multiple beneficiaries (e.g., a blended family), own international assets, or have business interests, a complex Will might be necessary. Consulting with an estate planning solicitor can help determine if your circumstances require a more detailed Will.
A standard Will is relatively straightforward and typically addresses the basic distribution of assets. In contrast, a complex Will accounts for factors like inheritance tax planning, trusts, succession planning for businesses, or special provisions for vulnerable beneficiaries. It’s designed to address specific and complex needs that a standard Will cannot.
Yes, a complex Will can include strategies like setting up trusts or making use of inheritance tax reliefs (e.g., Business Property Relief or Agricultural Property Relief) to reduce the inheritance tax burden on your estate. This ensures more of your estate passes to your beneficiaries instead of being taxed.
Without a complex Will, your estate may be subject to high inheritance tax, disputes among beneficiaries, or complications in ensuring that vulnerable or dependent family members are properly cared for. A complex Will provides legal clarity and ensures that your wishes are clearly documented and enforceable
Yes, you can amend or update your complex Will at any time by creating a new Will or adding a codicil (an addition to the original Will). It’s important to review your Will regularly, especially if your personal, financial, or family circumstances change.
The process of drafting a complex Will can take longer than a standard Will, as it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as trusts, inheritance tax, or business succession. Typically, it involves consultations with legal and financial professionals to ensure all needs are addressed.
While it’s possible to create a Will without a solicitor, which is called a DIY Will, it is highly recommended you work with one, especially when it comes to complex Wills. A solicitor can ensure that your Will is legally sound, that all tax implications are considered, and that your specific wishes are clearly and accurately reflected
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Thank you for all your help, guidance and understanding. You and your team have been outstanding during a very difficult time and managed the case through to a highly satisfactory conclusion.
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Your complex Wills team
Solicitor
Solicitor
Partner and Head of Contentious Probate
Partner (TEP)
Associate (FCILEx)
Solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitor
Partner and Head of Contentious Probate
Solicitor
Trainee Solicitor
Solicitor
Partner
Paralegal
Solicitor
Paralegal
Solicitor
Associate (FILCEx)
Associate Solicitor
Associate (FCILEx)
Associate Solicitor
Partner (TEP)
Partner & Head of Private Wealth
Partner & Head of Private Client
Senior Associate (FCILEx)
Why work with Goughs?
Local since 1882, with an excellent reputation
First-class, effective service
Largest solicitors in Wiltshire
Seven offices throughout the county
Nationally accredited law firm
Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners
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