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Widows, Trusts and Inheritance Tax

Paul Wilcox – Chairman, WAY Trustees Limited

 

Why Women Are Becoming Key Players in Estate Planning

For over 25 years, WAY Trustees has helped families across the UK protect their wealth through personal trusts – saving an estimated £70 million in Inheritance Tax (IHT). But as we reflect on the thousands of trusts we’ve established, an interesting trend emerges: historically, most were set up by older men.

This raises important questions:

  • Who really owns the wealth in the UK today?
  • Why have women traditionally been excluded from estate planning decisions?
  • And how can families take smarter steps to secure their financial legacy?

Recent insights show that women now hold over 50% of UK wealth, often inheriting assets later in life. This shift highlights a crucial opportunity: involving both partners in trust planning can significantly improve IHT outcomes and safeguard family wealth for future generations.

In Paul’s latest article, we explore:
– Why traditional approaches may no longer serve families well
– Practical strategies for couples to maximize tax efficiency
– How generation-skipping and repeat gifting can reduce future liabilities

Read the full article here.