ESTATE PLANNING, WILLS, TAX & TRUSTS

At EMW we recognise that efficient planning is fundamental to managing wealth and fulfilling future financial aims and protecting your assets.

Down arrows

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow: Estate Planning, Wills, Tax & Trust Guidance in Milton Keynes, Watford, Northampton & London.

photo of estate planning tax and trusts legal experts at emw in milton keynes office with offices also in northampton london and watford

FUTURE PROOFING YOUR LEGACY

We understand that estate planning is not just about preparing for the future — it’s about protecting what matters most to you today and for generations to come. Whether you’re based in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford, London or somewhere else in the UK, our experienced team of private client lawyers offers clear, practical advice tailored to your personal circumstances.

We recognise that many of our clients already work with a trusted network of professionals, including accountants, investment managers and foreign lawyers. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and are confident in our ability to work seamlessly alongside your existing advisors. Our aim is always to deliver joined-up, bespoke solutions that align with your financial goals and family priorities.

Our services go beyond simply drafting wills and trusts. We help you future-proof your wealth through intelligent, forward-looking strategies that seek not only to achieve your objectives but, where possible, to mitigate inheritance tax and preserve your assets. Whether you are planning for retirement, succession, or cross-border considerations, we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about how best to protect your wealth or ensure your estate is structured effectively, we encourage you to get in touch. A conversation today could make all the difference tomorrow.

HELPING YOU AVOID OR MITIGATE CLAIMS

Proactive Planning for Peace of Mind

At EMW, we recognise that the number of contentious probate cases is steadily increasing across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford, and London. Disputes over wills, estates, and trusts can be emotionally and financially draining for families — often occurring at an already difficult time.

Drawing on our broad and practical experience, we aim to reduce the likelihood of such disputes arising. Our team will work closely with you to identify any potential risks or claims — such as challenges to the validity of your will, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, or disagreements among beneficiaries and advise you on how to avoid or mitigate them through careful planning.

Lifetime Planning to Prevent Future Disputes

The most effective way to protect your estate from claims is to address any issues well in advance. As part of our estate planning service, we help clients put in place clear, legally robust arrangements that reflect their wishes and reduce the chance of future disputes.

We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from drafting and updating your will, to creating trusts, appointing executors, and documenting your intentions. Whether your affairs are straightforward or complex, our advice is always tailored to your personal and financial circumstances.

Flexible Solutions When Planning Ahead Isn’t Possible

We understand that not all planning can happen during a lifetime. Family circumstances, business arrangements, and legislation can all change unexpectedly. Where advance planning hasn’t been possible — or where challenges arise after someone has passed — we can advise on post-death tax planning to help minimise liabilities and preserve the value of the estate.

This might include strategies such as varying the terms of a will or intestacy rules through a Deed of Variation, utilising available tax reliefs, or restructuring the estate to achieve more favourable outcomes for the beneficiaries.

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

Whether you’re looking to plan ahead or are dealing with the estate of a loved one, EMW is here to support you with clear, practical and empathetic advice. Our specialist team covers all aspects of wills, trusts, inheritance tax, and probate — serving clients across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford and London.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.

EMW LEGALLY ASSIST, GUIDE AND
ADVISE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH:

Whether your financial position and wishes are simple or potentially more complex we can prepare Wills that are tax efficient and tailored to you and your family’s needs.

We work with you to consider the terms of any Trusts or gifts to best protect your assets and ensure that beneficiaries receive their inheritance at an appropriate time.

We will ensure that, through effective drafting, your wealth is passed on as you intend and is managed efficiently for future generations.

Preparing a Will is a task that should not be underestimated and certainly not something to be taken lightly.

With our experience, expertise, access to our wider commercial team and emphasis placed on getting to know you and your situation, we believe we are in a great position to make it easier for you.

We will guide and advise you how best to choose suitable executors and trustees to give you the comfort that your estate will be managed according to your wishes.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), Court of Protection & Deputyship Support

At EMW, we provide clear, compassionate and expert guidance in all aspects of estate planning, tax, and trust matters. Our team regularly supports individuals and families across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford, and London in preparing for the future with confidence and peace of mind.

Expert Help with Lasting Powers of Attorney

Putting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place ensures that someone you trust can make important decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so yourself. We guide you through every step of the process, from understanding your options to drafting and registering your LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Whether you need an LPA for health and welfare, property and financial affairs, or both, we ensure the process is handled efficiently and sensitively, tailored to your unique circumstances.

Court of Protection & Deputyship Applications

In cases where a loved one no longer has the capacity to make decisions and no LPA is in place, we can assist in applying to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. This allows a trusted individual — often a family member or close friend — to manage their personal or financial affairs.

Our team has extensive experience handling such applications, which can often feel complex or overwhelming. We’ll provide practical, step-by-step guidance and handle the legal requirements on your behalf to ease the burden during what may be a difficult time.

Ongoing Advice for Attorneys and Deputies

If you’re already acting as an attorney under an LPA or have been appointed as a deputy by the Court of Protection, we offer ongoing advice and support to help you carry out your duties. We can assist with:

– Understanding your legal responsibilities
– Managing and reporting financial decisions
– Ensuring compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005
– Dealing with complex family or financial issues

Our aim is to empower you to act confidently and responsibly, with the reassurance of expert advice whenever you need it.

Ready to Put a Plan in Place?

Whether you’re considering making a Lasting Power of Attorney, need help with a Deputyship application, or simply want to discuss your options, we’re here to help. At EMW, we combine legal expertise with a personal approach to provide trusted advice that makes a real difference.

Get in touch today with our specialist team in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford or London to discuss how we can support you and your family.

We understand that protecting your wealth and planning for the future involves more than just drafting a Will. Trusts, tax planning, and asset protection are essential tools for securing your legacy and supporting your loved ones for generations to come.

Why Consider a Trust?

A Trust is a powerful and flexible structure used to hold, manage and eventually distribute assets in line with your wishes. It enables you to retain control over how your estate is handled, both during your lifetime and after your death.

Trusts can be especially effective for:

– Providing for children or vulnerable family members
– Managing inheritance across generations
– Reducing exposure to Inheritance Tax (IHT)
– Protecting family assets from creditors or divorce settlements

Expert Support from Start to Finish

Creating a Trust is just the beginning. At EMW, we guide clients through every step of the process — from selecting the right type of Trust to drafting the appropriate documentation.

But our support doesn’t end there. We offer ongoing advice to:

Trustees: helping them understand their duties and manage Trust assets in accordance with legal and tax obligations.

Beneficiaries: ensuring they receive support and clarity around the benefits they’re entitled to.

Tax Planning with Confidence

Effective estate planning includes understanding and managing tax liabilities. Whether it’s Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, or Income Tax on Trust assets, our experienced team provides bespoke solutions tailored to your individual or family circumstances.

We help you:

– Structure your estate to minimise tax liabilities
– Maximise available tax reliefs and exemptions
– Navigate complex changes to tax legislation with clarity and confidence

Asset Protection for the Future

Life is unpredictable. Through careful planning, we help clients ring-fence their assets from future risks, including:

– Claims from third parties (e.g. creditors, legal claims)
– Marital breakdowns
– Long-term care costs

Trusts, used strategically, can ensure your wealth is preserved and used for the right purposes, by the right people, at the right time.

Local Experts with a Personal Touch

Whether you’re based in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire or London, our approachable and experienced private client team is here to help. We offer a discreet, tailored service that reflects your family’s values, circumstances and future goals.

Key members of the EMW legal team

TALK TO US
Quote

Thank you so much for all the complex and hard work you all carried out on my behalf. It has always been a pleasure dealing with EMW as your firm has always been prompt and efficient in dealing with any problems which occurred.

Quote

The team at EMW did a fantastic job for us from start to finish, including initial discussions, reviewing options, engaging with all parties involved in the deal, preparing and explaining the thorough legal documentation and addressing any risks or concerns. This was all done within the expected timescales and to the satisfaction of the entire MBO team which has given us a great platform from which to continue the sustainable growth of Darke & Taylor as an owner managed business.

Simon Newton, Darke & Taylor
Quote

The wills surgery session was very good and very informative. It has given some things to think about!

Estate Planning, Wills, Tax & Trusts Legal Services

Related Legal Services With EMW

Speak with us