Passing on Wealth — Estate Planning Advice
Effective estate planning is about passing on what you have built — to the people you choose, in the most efficient way possible.
Your Situation
If you want to ensure your wealth passes to the next generation as efficiently as possible…
Estate planning is the process of structuring your assets so that, when you die, as much of your wealth as possible passes to the people you want — in the way you want — with as little lost to inheritance tax, probate costs, and administrative delay as possible. It encompasses wills, pension death nominations, trust structures, lifetime gifting, business property relief strategies, and investment structuring — and it requires a coordinated approach across legal and financial planning.
Castle Stonebridge takes a holistic view of estate planning for clients across the UK. We identify every element of your estate, assess the IHT exposure, and design a coordinated strategy that uses the full range of available reliefs and exemptions. We work alongside trusted local solicitors to ensure that the legal and financial planning are completely aligned.
Questions We Answer
"What is my current inheritance tax exposure and how does it break down?"
Understanding the scale of the IHT liability is the essential starting point for any estate planning strategy.
"Can I pass on my pension pot to my family free of inheritance tax?"
Pensions have historically been IHT-efficient — but from April 2027, unspent pension pots will be brought within the scope of IHT.
"Should I make lifetime gifts now or wait until my estate is distributed on death?"
Lifetime gifts reduce the estate immediately but involve giving up control — the trade-off depends on your personal circumstances.
"Do I have the right will, and does it reflect my current intentions?"
Outdated wills are one of the most common planning failures — a will that was written decades ago may not reflect current circumstances or wishes.
"How should I structure my investments and savings to minimise IHT?"
Certain investments (such as AIM shares held for two years) qualify for Business Property Relief and fall outside the IHT estate.
Our Approach
How We Guide You
Full estate assessment
We calculate your current IHT exposure across all assets — property, investments, pensions, business interests, and lifetime gifts already made.
Strategy design
We design a coordinated estate planning strategy using the appropriate combination of gifting, trusts, pension nominations, and investment structures.
Legal coordination
We work alongside your solicitor to ensure that your will, powers of attorney, and trust deeds are consistent with your financial planning.
Ongoing estate review
We review your estate plan at least every three years or following significant life events — values change, legislation changes, and circumstances evolve.
Key Considerations
What you should know before making a decision
- From April 2027, unspent pension pots will be brought within the scope of inheritance tax. This is a significant legislative change that affects estate planning strategies that have historically used pensions as an IHT-efficient vehicle.
- The nil rate band (£325,000 per person) and residence nil rate band (£175,000 per person, subject to conditions) provide up to £500,000 per person or £1 million per couple of estate that can be passed on free of IHT.
- Business Property Relief (BPR) allows certain business assets and qualifying AIM shares to be passed on free of IHT after a two-year holding period. This is an important relief for business owners and investors.
- IHT at 40% applies to the taxable estate above the available nil rate bands. Proper planning can significantly reduce or eliminate this charge — but it requires early action, as many reliefs take time to become effective.
Talk to an independent adviser — no obligation
Castle Stonebridge is FCA-regulated and wholly independent. We are not tied to any provider, which means our advice is guided solely by what is right for you.
Book a Free ConsultationYour initial consultation is completely free and carries no obligation.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get the right advice for your situation?
Your free initial consultation is completely without obligation. We will listen, understand your specific circumstances, and tell you honestly whether and how we can help — before we discuss fees.
advice@castlestonebridge.co.ukCastle Stonebridge Limited is an Appointed Representative of Rosemount Financial Solutions (IFA) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Rosemount Financial Solutions (IFA) Limited is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 535515. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.
Regulatory Notice: Estate and inheritance planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.