Plain-English answer · England and Wales
How do I protect my children's inheritance?
Start by defining the risk. A valid will can direct assets and appoint guardians, while a trust can sometimes control when or how somebody benefits. Neither automatically reduces Inheritance Tax or protects against every future event.
Identify the real risk
Different concerns need different answers.
- Children are minors.
- A beneficiary is vulnerable.
- A survivor may later remarry.
- There are children from an earlier relationship.
- A beneficiary may face divorce or bankruptcy.
- A business or property should not be broken up immediately.
Match the tool to the problem
A will can name beneficiaries, substitutes, executors and guardians. A trust may delay outright ownership or give trustees discretion, but brings duties, tax rules and administration. It is a control tool, not automatic tax relief.
Assets outside the will
Review joint ownership, pension and life-insurance nominations, policy trusts, death-in-service benefits and business agreements. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits are due to enter estates for IHT, with important exceptions.
Official sources
Use these to check the current official position before acting.
This page provides general information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, pension or care-funding advice. Obtain independent advice from appropriately qualified professionals before acting.