Professional Trustee Service
Professional Trustee Service
There are many reasons why appointing a professional trustee can be considered an astute decision. If you are considering setting up a trust to protect your assets, to ensure your loved ones are adequately provided for, or as a way to reduce Inheritance Tax so that your estate is passed on in the most efficient way possible, it really is well worth taking time to explore the advantages of using a professional trustee service.
Since 1969, Partridge Muir & Warren has been taking care of the financial and estate planning needs of individuals, business owners and families across Surrey.
As chartered financial planners, and with an in-house team of highly experienced and qualified legal, financial, investment and tax planning specialists on hand to address every aspect of your estate planning requirements, you can feel totally reassured when appointing PMW as our professional trustee.
Why appoint a professional trustee?
Your financial wishes are important, so it stands to reason you will want to ensure they are fulfilled. The role of trustee can be both complex and time-consuming. There are numerous responsibilities, and an overriding duty of care to the beneficiaries.
For anyone who does not have a clear understanding of the intricacies of trusts, the pressure can often be quite considerable. So much so that mistakes can be made when administering the trust, which can impact negatively on the interests of the beneficiaries.
By appointing a professional trustee, you will feel reassured that your trust is being administered by an expert with the relevant knowledge to ensure that the goals of the trust are met, and that all associated legal and tax related responsibilities are fulfilled so that costs and penalties do not factor.
For trustees who are also beneficiaries, it can be difficult to make unbiased decisions, which could in turn lead to disputes amongst fellow beneficiaries. A professional trustee acts from a position of impartiality. They take an objective view on the individual circumstances of the trust, ensuring that the interests of all beneficiaries are considered.
For anyone who does not have a clear understanding of the intricacies of trusts, the pressure can often be quite considerable. So much so that mistakes can be made when administering the trust, which can impact negatively on the interests of the beneficiaries.
By appointing a professional trustee, you will feel reassured that your trust is being administered by an expert with the relevant knowledge to ensure that the goals of the trust are met, and that all associated legal and tax related responsibilities are fulfilled so that costs and penalties do not factor.
For trustees who are also beneficiaries, it can be difficult to make unbiased decisions, which could in turn lead to disputes amongst fellow beneficiaries. A professional trustee acts from a position of impartiality. They take an objective view on the individual circumstances of the trust, ensuring that the interests of all beneficiaries are considered.
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Why choose PMW for professional trustee services in Surrey?
Here at PMW, we have all the legal, financial, tax and investment expertise you need right here in-house, but without losing the personal touch that makes all the difference when dealing with something as important as your personal finances, and when planning for the security of your loved ones’ future.
Acting as your professional trustee, or working alongside your own appointed trustee in an advisory capacity, we are able to ensure your beneficiaries’ inheritance is protected.
There is a great deal to consider when distributing assets under a trust. From the tax and financial status of the beneficiaries, to any personal circumstances such as debt or divorce; without professional knowledge across a range of legal, financial and tax matters, there is always the risk that the assets may not safely reach the intended recipient.
With members of our team Society of Trusts Estate Practitioners (STEP) qualified, you will benefit from the additional professional qualifications that demonstrate we have the appropriate expertise to carry out the role of trustee.
Acting as your professional trustee, or working alongside your own appointed trustee in an advisory capacity, we are able to ensure your beneficiaries’ inheritance is protected.
There is a great deal to consider when distributing assets under a trust. From the tax and financial status of the beneficiaries, to any personal circumstances such as debt or divorce; without professional knowledge across a range of legal, financial and tax matters, there is always the risk that the assets may not safely reach the intended recipient.
With members of our team Society of Trusts Estate Practitioners (STEP) qualified, you will benefit from the additional professional qualifications that demonstrate we have the appropriate expertise to carry out the role of trustee.
A professional trustee service, from an award-winning team
A professional trustee service provides peace of mind of continuity, knowing there is always an expert available to handle the requirements of the trust. As a company that has for over 50 years been dedicated to preserving the wealth of our clients, you can rely on us to take unlimited time to fully understand the wishes of the trust settlor, to deal with the unique requirements of the trust, and to ensure the often intricate needs of the beneficiaries are dealt with objectively.
The team at Partridge Muir & Warren has been widely acknowledged for its quality of service with a string of awards.
The City of London Wealth Management Award, ours for two years running, recognises our client service promise. The title of Wealth Manager of the Year Southern England has also been awarded to our team courtesy of votes from our clients and the general public. In addition, we have been presented with the accolade of Best UK Independent Adviser by Advisory HQ has for the past four consecutive years.
The team at Partridge Muir & Warren has been widely acknowledged for its quality of service with a string of awards.
The City of London Wealth Management Award, ours for two years running, recognises our client service promise. The title of Wealth Manager of the Year Southern England has also been awarded to our team courtesy of votes from our clients and the general public. In addition, we have been presented with the accolade of Best UK Independent Adviser by Advisory HQ has for the past four consecutive years.
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Can you act as trustee alongside someone I appoint myself?
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Yes. We can act as a professional trustee alongside you or another trustee to ensure impartiality and provide professional and expert advice when required.
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What is a settlor?
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A trust settlor is the person who creates the trust with a view to passing assets to the trustees. Trusts are also known as ‘settlements’ which is where the term ‘settlor’ comes from.
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What is the difference between an executor and a trustee?
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An executor is the person you appoint to deal with the administration of your estate on your passing. A trustee on the other hand is someone you appoint to administer any ongoing trusts that you have set up within your will. It is perfectly acceptable for the same person to carry out both roles.
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Does a trustee have legal responsibilities?
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Yes, trustees have very important responsibilities in common law and can be held personally liable for any losses arising from a breach of duties.
A duty to take account of the settlor’s wishes is one such responsibility, as is a duty to ensure fairness between beneficiaries and also to take account of tax considerations. This is precisely why it is widely recommended to appoint a professional trustee with the necessary expertise around tax planning and investment strategy.
A duty to take account of the settlor’s wishes is one such responsibility, as is a duty to ensure fairness between beneficiaries and also to take account of tax considerations. This is precisely why it is widely recommended to appoint a professional trustee with the necessary expertise around tax planning and investment strategy.
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Can I appoint my beneficiaries as trustees?
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There is nothing in law to stop you appointing beneficiaries as trustees, but do think twice. Disputes and conflicts of interest are not at all uncommon due to a lack of impartiality when making decisions, which is why it is always a wise idea to appoint a professional trustee who will act in an unbiased way and in the best interests of all the beneficiaries.