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Estate Planning

Protect your legacy, not just your wealth

Legacy reflects what matters most to each of us. Whether your aim is to pass more wealth to your beneficiaries, support causes you care about, or blend both, we translate those intentions into a clear, tax-aware plan that reflects your wishes and protects those you care about most.

Start with a complimentary consultation

Overview

We Are Here For Every Stage of Legacy Planning

We begin with a conversation about the legacy you want to leave and the people who matter most to you, then work together to identify the priorities that will shape your estate plan. Our comprehensive approach covers three key phases:

Early planning: Preserve with purpose

Starting your estate planning early gives you much greater control over your legacy. We help you understand the basics of inheritance tax, assess your potential exposure, and build a solid foundation for protecting your wealth. From annual gifting strategies to setting up the right structures, we will guide you through tax-efficient options that preserve more of your estate while keeping everything simple and clear.

Growing estates: Structure and protect

As your wealth grows, we can consider more sophisticated strategies to minimise inheritance tax exposure and preserve estate value. We’ll review your current arrangements, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure your estate plan evolves with your changing circumstances. From targeted lifetime gifting to carefully structured trusts, we design solutions that balance tax efficiency with your family’s needs.

Legacy preservation: Secure and transfer

For established estates, we focus on advanced strategies that ensure your wealth transfers according to your wishes while minimising tax implications. We can work closely with your legal and tax advisers who coordinate wills, trusts, and other structures, adapting your plan as laws and family circumstances change over time. Our approach includes regular reviews to maintain efficiency and peace of mind for your family’s future.

Independent Advice

Why Choose Our Estate Planning

Your legacy deserves thoughtful planning. Our estate planning service is designed for individuals and families who want to preserve and protect their wealth for future generations. Whether you are looking to minimise inheritance tax exposure or plan your legacy, we will create a clear strategy for you with your wishes in mind.

Clear Answers

Estate planning can be complex, but our advice doesn’t have to be. We explain everything in plain English, helping you understand exactly how different strategies work and why we’re recommending specific approaches for your family situation.

Independent Advice

Our independence means we’re not tied to any specific products or providers. We research all available options to find solutions that genuinely fit your circumstances and objectives, not what benefits us most.

Visual Cash Flow Planning

We use advanced modelling to show you a visual of how different planning strategies could possibly impact your family’s inheritance. See the potential tax savings and outcomes before you commit to any approach.

Tax-Efficient Strategies

From annual exemptions and reliefs to sophisticated trust structures, we help you navigate the complex world of inheritance tax to preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries and chosen causes.

Peace of Mind

Rest assured knowing your legacy is thoughtfully planned and your wishes are clearly defined. Regular reviews help keep your plans aligned with changing laws and circumstances, offering reassurance for the future.

Our Process

Your Journey to Legacy Planning

Every step is focused on giving you clarity, reassurance, and a service that is personal to you.

Step 1 – Complimentary Initial Consultation

Understanding you comes first.

We begin by carefully understanding your goals, situation, and concerns, creating the foundation for tailored advice around your plans.

Step 2 – Suitability Report
& Presentation

Your personalised financial roadmap.

Our experts create a personalised plan with comprehensive advice and cashflow modelling, followed by a detailed presentation meeting.

Step 3 – Implementation
Service

We handle the heavy lifting.

We handle all paperwork and setup with precision, reducing administration as we work with financial institutions on your behalf.

Step 4 – Ongoing Advice
& Support

Keeping your plan on track.

Annual reviews and ongoing guidance keep your plan updated as your needs change, maximising your financial security and growth.

Ready to start your journey?

Book your complimentary meeting today to see how our approach can help shape your financial future.

Start with a complimentary consultation

Frequently asked questions

Questions We Often Hear

Financial Advice for Life’s Turning Points

Whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting your family’s future, or growing your wealth, we’re here to guide you with clarity and confidence. Independent advice tailored to your personal circumstances.

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Stepwoods is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (1032748). Registered address: Office F5 The Plaza, Rutherford Park, Braintree, CM77 7AU. Stepwoods is a trading name of Stepwoods Financial Planning Ltd registered in England and Wales | Company No. 16116215.

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