Planning ahead is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your estate is passed on in the way you intend. At Gladstone Solicitors, our Wills and Probate Team provides straightforward, practical guidance on Inheritance Tax and estate planning, helping you understand your options without unnecessary complexity.
We support clients across Arnold, Nottingham and the surrounding areas, offering a calm, professional and accessible service tailored to your circumstances.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning involves organising your affairs so that:
- Your assets pass to the right people
- Your wishes are clearly recorded
- Your estate is administered smoothly
- Tax is considered and managed appropriately
This may include:
- Making or updating a Will
- Considering trusts
- Reviewing how property is owned
- Planning for care home fees
- Making Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Ensuring vulnerable beneficiaries are protected
Our team will guide you through the options in a clear and reassuring way.
Basic Inheritance Tax Guidance
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a concern for many families. We can provide basic, practical advice on:
- Current Inheritance Tax thresholds
- The nil‑rate band and residence nil‑rate band
- How gifts may affect your estate
- How property is treated for IHT
- The impact of marriage, divorce or blended families
- Simple steps that may reduce the tax payable
Our aim is to help you understand the rules and how they apply to your situation.
Working With Accountants and Tax Barristers
Where more detailed or specialist tax advice is required, we can:
- Liaise directly with your accountant, or
- Instruct an accountant on your behalf, or
- Seek advice from an expert Tax Barrister
This ensures you receive accurate, reliable guidance while still having us as your main point of contact.
You benefit from a joined‑up approach without needing to manage multiple professionals yourself.
Trusts and Asset Protection
As part of estate planning, we may discuss whether a trust could help you:
- Protect assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries
- Provide for a spouse while preserving assets for others
- Manage property for future generations
- Support long‑term planning for family wealth
We will explain the options clearly and help you decide whether a trust is appropriate.
(For more detailed information, see our Trusts & Asset Protection page.)
Planning for Care Home Fees
Many clients are concerned about how care home fees may affect their estate. We can provide careful, realistic advice on:
- What the local authority can and cannot take into account
- How property is treated
- Deprivation of assets rules
- Planning ahead responsibly
We will always give honest, practical guidance based on your circumstances.
(For more information, see our Care Home Fee Planning page.)
Estate Planning for All Types of Families
We regularly assist:
- Married couples
- Unmarried partners
- Blended families
- Clients with children from previous relationships
- Clients with vulnerable or disabled beneficiaries
- Clients with business or investment assets
We tailor our advice to your family structure and long‑term wishes.
Free Initial Appointment
We offer a free, no‑obligation initial appointment to discuss your estate planning needs and answer your questions.
Appointments can take place:
- At our Arnold office
- At your home
- In a care home or hospice
- Via Teams or Zoom
Fees and Price Transparency
Our fees for estate planning work are published in accordance with the SRA Price Transparency Rules. Full details can be found on our Price Transparency page.
We will always explain costs clearly before you decide how to proceed.
Contact Our Wills & Probate Team
📞 0115 9555 050 📧 info@gladstonesolicitors.co.uk
We are here to help you plan ahead with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.