Trust Planning – UK and Offshore

Trust Planning – UK and Offshore

GSC private client lawyers have extensive experience in the creation, administration and termination of trusts both in the UK and offshore. We are also able to advise on a variety of other structures such as foundations, private trust companies and purpose trusts which may be more suitable to your needs. We are adept in identifying whether a structure could enable you to meet your goals, and advising on the form such structure should take.

Tax implications

Whilst trust structures historically presented tax advantages, legislation over the past few years has sought to erode such advantages. Trusts are still useful tools for asset protection and wealth preservation. However, we ensure that trust structures are set up effectively to ensure that they are fully tax efficient, taking into account issues of withholding tax and international tax regimes.

Project management

We at GSC adopt a holistic approach to trust planning, and take the time to fully analyse your financial, business and family circumstances to come up with a solution tailored to your objectives and needs. We do not simply provide academic legal advice, but rather take an active role in relation to both the setting up and the ongoing running of the structure. We have strong relationships with onshore and offshore advisors and accountants and are used to ‘project-managing’ various advisers to achieve a streamlined process for the client. We adopt the role of the client’s “trusted advisor” and often co-ordinate all aspects of a family or individual’s legal affairs.

Our clients

We regularly advise founders or “settlors” and their families on wealth management and trust planning structures. We are also experienced in advising both professional trustees, trustees and protectors on their fiduciary duties and general trust management.