A sound and proper legacy planning strategy, built with the help of a financial specialist, can help ensure that you are maximising the impact of the wealth you have created. Whether legacy planning means securing your family’s future, planning your business’s succession, or gifting to a charitable cause you care about, St. James's Place can guide you through your options, while ensuring your peace of mind.

The following list may help you put your needs in perspective:

• Will Writing: When you die without a Will, the law decides who inherits what and in what proportions. Having a well-constructed Will in place offers you the peace of mind that, should the worse happen, your loved ones and your assets will be taken care of and in the manner you have intended.
• Appointing Guardians: It is vital that you give good consideration as to whom you would want to look after your children if something happens to you instead of letting a court decide who will look after your children. Be responsible and ensure that both temporary and permanent guardians are appointed.
• Enduring Powers of Attorney: It is difficult to image a situation whereby we will not have complete control of our own affairs. However, an accident, physical ill-health or the onset of mental illness can make everyday tasks such as paying bills, managing a budget and making welfare decisions difficult, stressful and, in some cases, impossible. Create an Enduring Power of Attorney to make sure that the right people take care of your finances if you don’t have the capacity to.
• Estate Planning and Family Protection: Without proper protection in place, you may not be able to guarantee that your wealth is passed to those you intended, in the way you intended. There are strategies you can employ to ensure your loved ones benefit from your wealth, including inheritance tax planning, using Trusts, preparing for long-term care and intergenerational wealth management.

As everyone’s circumstances and needs are different, we will work together with you and our panel of specialists to help you create a holistic legacy plan that suits your needs and aligns with your vision.

Advice relating to a Will, matters of guardianship, and Powers of Attorney involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.