Overseas Assets

The Challenge

We were introduced to a high-net-worth family with a significant estate, comprising several UK properties and a valuable holiday home in Portugal.

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Over a series of meetings, we helped the family navigate the complex legal and tax implications of their estate. Our priority was to explain each concept in properly, enabling the parents to make informed, confident decisions about how best to protect their wealth.

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During these discussions, the couple expressed their wish to leave £1 million to each of their children. However, one daughter was experiencing personal challenges, and they both recognised that leaving her a large inheritance outright could create difficulties rather than security.

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Our Approach

Following careful and compassionate conversations, we recommended establishing a specially worded discretionary trust for their daughter's share of the estate.

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This approach allowed the parents to:

• Ensure their daughter would receive ongoing financial support throughout their life.

• Give trustees discretion to manage the funds responsibly and flexibly.

• Maintain protection of the assets from potential external risks or personal circumstances.

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As part of the wider plan, we also addressed the cross-border complexities of owning a property in Portugal. Working with our international network, we ensured that the wills and trusts structure complied fully with both UK and Portuguese law, avoiding potential conflicts and delays.

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The Outcome

The result was a carefully balanced inheritance plan that delivered fairness, security, and peace of mind.

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• ​Each child was provided for equally, reflecting the parents' intentions.

• The vulnerable daughter's future was safeguarded within a proactive and adaptable trust framework.

• The Portuguese property was securely integrated into the estate plan, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets between generations.

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The Result

Clear communication, empathy, and technical precision, Wills, Tax & Trusts Ltd. created a bespoke cross-border inheritance solution that combined fairness, protection, and compliance - preserving both the family's wealth and their dignity for years to come.

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