Professional estate planning services

While it makes sense to carry out estate planning as early as possible, your plans will naturally need to evolve at different stages of your life, like if you get married or start a family. 

Contact our team for a personalised assessment of your estate planning options.
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PROTECTING YOUR WEALTH

Bespoke estate planning strategies

We provide personalised estate planning services that are designed to help you protect your assets, minimise tax liabilities and ensure your wishes are honoured through wills, trusts and other legal means. Our team create a plan, detailing how you would like your assets to be distributed after death. On deciding who you want to receive your property and assets, we address settlement of estate taxes and debts and make plans for any financial obligations that may arise. We go through your medical and dependent care options and once you have decided how you want them to look, we make arrangements for your own, and any dependents’, medical care should you become incapacitated. Everything we do aligns with your wishes. Our estate planning services provide a comprehensive approach to protecting what matters most to you. 

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    Wills in estate planning

    Making a will is a vital exercise when estate planning. Confirming your wishes legally, and knowing they’ll be met, can give you and your family peace of mind.

    Will writing is not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and is offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.

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    Understanding how trusts work

    Trusts are legal arrangements that are designed to manage assets for the benefit of designated individuals, making things easier for them. They offer flexibility for estate planning and wealth management. 

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    Inheritance tax planning strategies

    There are key tax implications associated with receiving an inheritance in the UK. We can help you put responsible inheritance tax planning strategies in place.   

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    Choosing executors or trustees

    Because an executor will manage your estate after you pass away, and a trustee will oversee assets placed in a trust, managing them for beneficiaries according to your specifications, choosing them needs careful consideration.  

Lifetime wealth transfers

You may be able to transfer some of your assets while you are alive. We can help you with tax-efficient lifetime transfers. 

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Why James Leighton Wealth Management?

Customised estate planning solutions

James Leighton Financial Services has been supporting clients since 2010 and is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

James Leighton Wealth Management was introduced to give clients access to clear, personal financial advice alongside the firm’s established financial services experience. Our estate planning team will help you put the most suitable plans in place to protect your assets and provide for the people who matter most. They will take the time to understand your personal circumstances, family considerations and long-term wishes, recommending suitable strategies to help preserve your wealth for future generations. We are proud to make financial planning services accessible to more people by keeping our fee structures low.

We are based in Nottingham and can work with clients locally, across neighbouring areas and remotely throughout the UK.

James Leighton Financial Services was recognised as Business of the Year 2023 and Best Mortgage Firm 2023 at Quilter Financial Planning’s Key Accounts Awards.

FAQs

Q

At what age should I look at estate planning?

A

Many think of estate planning as something that should be done in later life. In fact, it is prudent to begin estate planning from young adulthood. It is likely you already have more assets than you realise. Of course, your plans will need to evolve at different life stages, to ensure your assets are protected and to make sure your family’s future is secure.  

Q

Can putting my money and assets into a trust reduce inheritance tax?

A

With different types of trusts available, they are often subject to different inheritance tax rules. Whether you can reduce how much inheritance tax you need to pay, or whether you can eradicate the bill entirely, will depend on what type of trust you open. We can advise you on the various trust types you can access.  

Q

What should I look for in an estate planning provider?

A

An initial chat will give you critical information. You will get a feel for whether you will work well together, whether you find them trustworthy, helpful and knowledgeable. You will be able to assess their experience, qualifications and dependability – and importantly, how other clients feel about these things – by way of reviews and testimonials given by those who have use their services before.

60%

of us haven't created a will or made any estate planning documents, leaving assets completely unprotected*.

This highlights the need for more people to seek advice. Leaving these matters until later life can be costly.

*Source: https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/22/did-you-know-1-in-3-uk-estates-are-left-intestate-heres-how-to-avoid-it/

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