Trusts in Wills: smart protection… or an unnecessary headache?
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
- 16th Jun 2026
“I’ve heard I should put my assets in a trust… but is it actually worth it?” It’s a question I’m hearing more and more and honestly, it’s a fair one because if you’ve looked into trusts, you’ve probably seen two extremes: “They’re essential for protecting your assets” vs. “They’re complicated and tax-heavy headaches” So, which is […]
By Katie Davies
mlplaw
“I’ve heard I should put my assets in a trust… but is it actually worth it?”
It’s a question I’m hearing more and more and honestly, it’s a fair one because if you’ve looked into trusts, you’ve probably seen two extremes:
“They’re essential for protecting your assets” vs. “They’re complicated and tax-heavy headaches”
So, which is it?
The Simple Truth about Trusts in Wills
A trust in a Will isn’t about making things difficult. It’s about keeping a bit of control over what happens to your assets after you’re gone. Instead of everything passing straight to someone, you’re saying:
“Let’s manage this properly.”
That’s it.
Will it make things harder?
Slightly but not dramatically. Yes, there are a few extra steps:
- Trustees are involved
- There’s a bit more admin
- Decisions may be ongoing
But this is normal legal practice, not some overly complex loophole. In reality? With a well-drafted Will, most families handle it without issue.
What about tax?
This is where people get nervous, but it’s often overplayed. Inheritance tax is usually dealt with as part of the estate anyway. Some trusts have ongoing tax rules, but these are typically handled within the trust itself. It’s not a case of suddenly landing your family with unexpected personal tax bills.
So why all the confusion?
Because “trusts” isn’t just one thing.
Different types = different rules.
And online articles love to focus on the complicated scenarios not the everyday ones.
So… should you have one?
It comes down to this, If you want:
- A bit more control
- A bit more protection
- A long-term approach
A trust can be a very sensible tool. If your situation is simple? You might not need it at all.
Final thought
Trusts aren’t about making life harder for the people you leave behind; they’re about making things clearer, safer, and more structured when they’re used for the right reasons.
And most of the time, they’re far less daunting than they first sound.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure whether a trust is right for you, it’s always best to get tailored advice.
📧 Email: wtp@mlplaw.co.uk
📞 Call: 0161 926 9969 and ask to speak to a member of the team
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you understand your options and plan with confidence.
About the expert
Katie Davies
Solicitor Apprentice
Katie is a Solicitor Apprentice and an invaluable member of our Wills, Trusts and Probate team. She first joined mlplaw in 2021 as a Legal Assistant after completing her Applied Law and Business qualification, supporting a number of teams across the firm.
In 2022, Katie progressed to a Paralegal Apprentice role within the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, where she gained extensive experience in drafting Wills, Codicils, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney for both personal and business clients. She also assists with estate administration and property transfers.
Now undertaking her Solicitor Apprenticeship, Katie is building on her expertise while working towards completing her SQE examinations. Her commitment and knowledge make her a key part of the team, supporting clients with care and professionalism.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her son and partner, days out with family, and following her beloved Manchester United.
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