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Trusts

When planning for the future, setting up a trust can provide peace of mind and provide you with the protection needed. Trusts are complicated. We support you every step of the way, making this clear and manageable for your family and business.

Personal Trusts

Understanding Trusts

Trusts provide a means of placing your assets under careful management, protecting your property or assets now and for the future. While trusts may feel complex, with the right guidance they become a vital tool in securing your legacy and supporting those you care about.

Our team bring exceptional expertise, including accredited members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), along with qualifications from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. This means you receive advice from trusted professionals, recognised for their experience and specialism. Our private client team is also ranked as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500.

We know that discussing trusts can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why our solicitors explain every step in clear, straightforward language. We work collaboratively with your accountants and financial advisers to ensure all aspects of your plans work smoothly, delivering the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Our approach is personal and attentive. We listen closely to your needs, simplify the legal process, and tailor trusts to your unique circumstances, helping you feel confident that your wishes are accurately reflected.

Since families and businesses change over time, we stay by your side to review when your affairs needed, so they continue to serve their purpose effectively throughout life’s transitions.

Our service includes:

  • Explaining the types of trusts and their benefits
  • Drafting bespoke trust documents to reflect your instructions
  • Advising upon tax implications and how to minimise liabilities
  • Supporting trustees to understand and fulfil their responsibilities
  • Providing ongoing assistance for smooth trust administration

To us, trusts are about much more than legal arrangements — they embody the trust you place in us to protect what matters most today and for years to come.

Personalised advice, tailored for you

We take time to understand your family, business, and financial goals so your trusts truly fits your goals.

Clear, jargon-free communication

You’ll always know what’s happening and why, with explanations that respect your time.

Long-term partnership

We support you at every stage – from setting up the trust to adapting it as your needs change.

Experienced, reliable team

Our specialists bring knowledge and empathy, guiding you with confidence and care.

Focus on peace of mind

Beyond paperwork, we prioritise your reassurance and trust in us as your long term legal partner.

Support for trustees

We empower those managing the trust with clear guidance, making an often complex role more manageable.

Complete confidentiality and respect

We understand the sensitivity of your plans and handle every detail with discretion and integrity.

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Need help with a legal issue? Start a chat with a member of our team.

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0800 011 1195

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Trusts FAQs

We understand you might be looking for answers, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.

What exactly is a trust and why might I need one?

A trust is a legal way to hold assets, so they are managed by trustees for the benefit of named beneficiaries. It can protect assets, provide for children, or manage business interests, helping control how and when the asset is used.

How do I choose the right type of trust?

There are several trust types; selecting the right one depends on your goals, family situation, and finances. We’ll guide you through options like lifetime trusts, discretionary trusts, or trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries, explaining benefits and limitations clearly.

Who can be a trustee, and what are their duties?

The person creating the trust chooses the trustee when the trust is established. Anyone over 18 can be a trustee although there are certain factors which mean that some people should not be a trustee.  Grounds for removal of a trustee include when a person is an undischarged bankrupt; a person is not capable of managing their own money; if the trustee is going to be out of the country for more than 12 months. The Trustee then manages the Trust assets and must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries having regard to their wishes. We provide trustees with all the support and advice they need to fulfil their role properly.

What happens to a trust over time?

A trust may last for many years and sometimes needs adapting due to life changes, tax law updates, or shifting family circumstances. We’ll help review and update your trust to keep it effective and aligned with your wishes.

Will setting up a trust affect my tax situation?

Trusts can have important tax implications. Our expert team will explain any liabilities and advise how to manage tax efficiently while meeting all legal obligations, so you feel fully informed and confident.

Trusts service expertise

  • Acting as a Trustee
  • Administration of Trusts
  • Advice to Trustees
  • Bare Trusts
  • Contingent Interest Trusts
  • Discretionary Trusts
  • Life Interest Trusts
  • Personal Injury Trusts
  • Setting Up A Trust
  • Trust Registration
  • Winding up of A Trust

Latest from Pinney Talfourd

Stay up to date with the latest legal developments, firm news, and upcoming events. Our experts share practical insights, commentary, and opportunities to connect with our team in person or online.

View our news

Choosing The Right Trustees

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Right Trust for the Job – Personal Injury Trusts

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Understanding Discretionary Trusts and Their Benefits

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Right Trust for the Job – Life Interest Trusts

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We are delighted to announce that Kristian Croad has become a Partner

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Our team of experts

Join our team

Interested in joining our team of Family Law experts?

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Matthew Edwards

Partner

Matthew Edwards

Partner

01277 246 848

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Kristian Croad

Partner

Kristian Croad

Partner

01708 463 231

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Nicholas Conway

Senior Associate

Nicholas Conway

Senior Associate

01277 246 834

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Your key contact

You can contact us now to book an initial consultation. Or for more information please contact Kristian Croad on the details below.

Kristian Croad

Kristian Croad

Partner

01708 463 231

Send Kristian an email

Our offices

Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)
Map showing Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford
Map showing Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch
Map showing Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster
Map showing Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

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Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Copyright © 2026. Pinney Talfourd LLP. Registered office address: 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TU, United Kingdom. Company No: OC324736.

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