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Trust Administration.

Our Trust Administration Services support trustees with their legal, tax and reporting responsibilities, allowing them to manage trust assets properly and act confidently.

  • Legal 500 Recommended
  • Chambers UK Ranked for Estate Planning
  • Band 1 for Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth

Trust Administration Services.

Our Trust Administration Solicitors are here to guide you through every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

Administering a trust can be a complex and demanding responsibility. From managing assets and complying with legal duties, to understanding tax implications and ensuring fair treatment of beneficiaries, the role of a trustee carries significant obligations. Whether you are acting under the terms of a will or managing a lifetime trust, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, particularly if you are unfamiliar with what is required.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we provide expert Trust Administration Services for individuals and families throughout England and Wales. We understand that trustees often take on this role during emotionally difficult times, particularly following the loss of a loved one. We pride ourselves on offering a compassionate, approachable service that supports you both practically and personally.

As a leading law firm in Wales, top-ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers UK, you can be confident that your trust administration will be handled by experienced, highly regarded professionals.

We offer flexible support that fits around you, from one-off advice on your duties as a trustee, to comprehensive administration of complex trusts involving property, business interests, or vulnerable beneficiaries. Our team also regularly acts as professional trustees where an impartial or long-term solution is needed.

No two trusts are the same, and neither are the families behind them. That’s why our service is tailored to your circumstances, designed to make the process as smooth, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.

Your Trust Administration questions answered

What does trust administration involve?

Trust administration encompasses the management and distribution of assets held within a trust, in accordance with the terms set out in the trust deed. This process includes:

  • Asset management: managing trust assets to preserve their value and ensure they benefit the intended beneficiaries.
  • Record keeping: Maintaining accurate records of all transactions, decisions, and communications related to the trust.
  • Tax compliance: Ensuring the trust adheres to all relevant tax obligations, including income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax.
  • Beneficiary communication: Keeping relevant beneficiaries informed about the trust’s status and any distributions made.
  • Legal compliance: Ensuring all actions taken are in line with the trust deed and applicable laws.

Our team is equipped to handle all aspects of trust administration, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your personal commitments.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a trustee?

Trustees hold a fiduciary position, meaning they are legally obligated to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Trustees’ responsibilities include:

  • Acting solely in the interest of the beneficiaries, avoiding conflicts of interest.
  • Managing trust assets with care, skill, and caution.
  • Following the specific terms and conditions outlined in the trust document.
  • Treating all beneficiaries fairly and without bias.
  • Keeping detailed records and providing accounts to beneficiaries as required.

Failing to adhere to these duties can result in personal liability. Therefore, seeking professional advice is crucial to navigate these responsibilities effectively.

Can I use a solicitor as a professional trustee?

Yes, a solicitor can serve as a professional trustee, either solely or alongside other trustees. Appointing a professional trustee offers several benefits:

  • Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in trust law, taxation, and asset management.
  • Continuity: Unlike individual trustees, a professional trustee ensures uninterrupted administration, even in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Impartiality: We provide unbiased decision-making, which is particularly valuable in complex family dynamics.
  • Efficiency: Our structured processes and systems streamline trust administration, reducing delays and errors.

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler as your professional trustee, you ensure the trust is managed with the highest standards of professionalism and care.

How does Lanyon Bowdler assist with tax compliance in trusts?

Tax compliance is a critical aspect of trust administration. Our services include:

  • Income Tax Management: Preparing and filing trust income tax returns, ensuring accurate reporting of income generated by trust assets.
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Planning: Advising on strategies to minimize CGT liabilities when disposing of trust assets.
  • Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning: Assisting in planning to mitigate IHT exposure, including the use of exemptions and reliefs.
  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Advice: Providing guidance on SDLT implications when transferring property into or out of the trust.

Our holistic approach ensures that all tax obligations are met efficiently, reducing the risk of penalties and preserving the trust’s value for beneficiaries.

What types of trusts can Lanyon Bowdler help administer?

We have experience administering a wide range of trusts, including:

  • Discretionary Trusts: Where trustees have the discretion to decide how and when to distribute assets to beneficiaries.
  • Bare Trusts: Where beneficiaries have an absolute right to the trust assets.
  • Interest in Possession Trusts: Where beneficiaries have a right to the income generated by the trust assets.
  • Personal Injury Trusts: Designed to protect compensation received from personal injury claims.
  • Trusts for Vulnerable Beneficiaries: Tailored to support beneficiaries who may lack capacity or require special considerations.

Our team provides tailored advice and administration services for each trust type, ensuring compliance and alignment with the settlor’s intentions.

How can Lanyon Bowdler support trustees facing challenges?

Trustees may encounter various challenges, such as:

  • Disputes Among Beneficiaries: We offer mediation and legal support to resolve conflicts amicably.
  • Complex Asset Management: Our team assists in managing diverse assets, including businesses, properties, and investments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: We ensure adherence to evolving legal and tax regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
  • Succession Planning: We help plan for the future, including the appointment of successor trustees and updating trust terms as needed.

By partnering with Lanyon Bowdler, trustees gain access to a wealth of expertise and resources to navigate these challenges effectively.

Can Lanyon Bowdler act as a professional trustee?

Yes, in cases where families feel there is no suitable individual to act, or where impartiality is essential, we may be happy to act as a professional trustee. This is often a sensible choice where family dynamics are complicated or the trust is particularly complex.

In other situations, we may act alongside lay trustees, offering reassurance and ensuring the trust is administered in line with all legal requirements.

How does trust administration fit into estate planning?

Many clients come to us not only for help administering an existing trust, but also for advice on setting one up. Trusts can be a valuable part of estate planning, offering a way to protect wealth, support vulnerable loved ones, plan for inheritance tax, or pass assets across generations in a controlled manner.

We offer advice on a wide range of trust types including bare trusts, discretionary trusts, and interest-in-possession trusts. We will always ensure you understand the implications of your choices. Our aim is to provide legal structures that offer both flexibility and security, guided by your personal values and priorities.

What happens if I want to resign as a trustee?

It is entirely possible for a trustee to step down, provided the trust deed allows for it and the correct legal steps are taken. You may need to arrange for a replacement trustee to be appointed and ensure that your departure does not disrupt the administration of the trust.

We can assist you in managing this process smoothly and lawfully, giving you peace of mind that all obligations have been fulfilled correctly.

Is it risky to manage a trust without legal advice?

The legal and financial duties involved in trust administration are significant, and the risks of getting something wrong can be high. Without proper advice, trustees may inadvertently breach their duties, misinterpret the trust terms, or fall foul of tax rules, all of which can have serious consequences.

Seeking legal guidance early can help you avoid these risks, feel more confident in your role, and ensure that the trust is administered in accordance with both the law and the settlor’s wishes.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

This was our second interaction with LB and in both cases we found our solicitor approachable, efficient and very knowledgeable. I am sure we could have found a cheaper solicitor but we were looking for a thorough professional which is what we got

Anon
via ReviewSolicitors

Highly recommended solicitors.
A professional and efficient team who have provided a excellent legal service.

Dyfed
via ReviewSolicitors

Our business was done in our first language (Welsh) which was very important for us. We were contacted at every step throughout the procedure in a friendly manner every time.
Diolch yn fawr.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

Excellent service. Very professional and approachable, clear advice given and time spent to deliver the advice.

Tracey
via ReviewSolicitors

We required the drafting of new wills to ensure that in the event of one of us going into care the cost would be kept to a sensible level that protected the interests of the other partner. This was done to our great satisfaction with the smoothest of procedures.

Cyril
via ReviewSolicitors

Excellent advice and service – everything well explained and carried out.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

Lasting Powers of Attorney – we have been clients with Lanyon Bowdler for decades and have always been happy with the service.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

From the initial meeting to completion of my wife Jayne and my will, the process was seamless, efficient and easy to understand. This was despite our wills involving two businesses, a commercial property owned by my SIPP, in addition to our own house and chattels. The price was fair and we were both very satisfied with the end result. We would definitely recommend Lanyon Bowdler based on our experiences.

Mark
via ReviewSolicitors

Making a will can be a minefield of mixed emotions and an overload of information and choices as there are so many options, and prices. In the end we decided to go with Lanyon Bowdler and contacted them for a consultation. We were completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service also the way the look after their clients. Thank you for all your help and patience we would definitely recommend your services.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

Good initial meeting, written communication, documentary guidance and good advice on my will.

David
via ReviewSolicitors

We sought guidance and advice on Power of Attorney which was delivered in a most understandable and efficient way. The conclusion and production of same followed in the same manner which pleased us greatly.

Mary
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All the staff at your Bromyard branch are a credit to your company!

Mrs Hughes
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Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
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I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

I felt safe that Lanyon Bowdler understood both my concerns and requirements. I would use again and recommend.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

A fluent welsh speaking solicitor from an agricultural background, provided an in depth assessment and good advice in distributing the inheritance of the family farm.

Mr & Mrs Owen
Conwy

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Very professional and approachable. I was updated as to progress regularly. The final costs reflected good value for the service provided.

David Fedrick
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact Our Trust Administration Solicitors Today

If you have any queries relating to trust administration, our Trust Solicitors will be able to answer your questions and support you with clarity and confidence at every stage of the process.

We will talk you through what’s required in clear, straightforward language, ensuring you feel informed and reassured as each aspect is dealt with in the correct way. Whether you are administering a trust for the first time or handling more complex arrangements, we will make sure your responsibilities are fully understood and carried out properly.

Lanyon Bowdler has offices with expert legal teams in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford.

We are a widely recognised law firm for England and Wales, renowned across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, and the Midlands for delivering a high standard of legal advice and personal client care. We offer a range of pricing options to suit different circumstances, including fixed fee arrangements and clear service level guarantees.

We regularly provide Trust Administration Services in Birmingham, Worcester, and Wolverhampton. No matter where you live in England or Wales, we are here to help.

Please call us or use the online contact form and a member of the team will be in touch directly.

Our people

Meet the team.

David Pugh
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Edward Rees
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Emma Deering
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Kate Lawson
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Kevin Thomas
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Lorna Marlow-Spalding
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Louise Browne
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Dani Sharma
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Caitlin Kirkwood
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Clare Jones
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Kelly Hughes
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Vanessa Ford
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Georgia Bennett
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Clare Boote
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Sophie Burgoyne
Senior Associate Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Charles Almond
Consultant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Sioned Parry
Associate Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Alys Jones
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Nicola Bryant
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Nicola Smith
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Julie Langford
Legal Assistant
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Jan Hope
Legal Support Assistant
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Val Howard
Legal Support Assistant
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Nyrée Grevett
Solicitor
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Aimee Johnson
Solicitor
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Deena Jones
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Anna Edwards
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Angharad Hird
Associate Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
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Knowledge

Trust Administration Articles & Podcasts.

Blog
The past two years have brought some of the most significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs in a generati...
Sioned Parry • 23 Jul 2026
Blog
In England and Wales, any person preparing a will (‘the testator’) has testamentary freedom or, in simple language,...
Nyrée Grevett • 11 Jun 2026
Podcast icon Podcast

When Did You Last Update Your Will? : Edward Rees, Sophie Burgoyne and Nyrée Grevett

In this episode, Edward Rees is joined by colleagues Sophie Burgoyne and Nyrée Grevett. Following a poll carried out by...
Published • 11 May 2026
Blog
With Neurodiversity Week being this week, it seems a good time to reflect upon estate planning considerations for f...
Nyrée Grevett • 18 Mar 2026
Blog
A recent episode of the YouTube series ‘Lineage’ showcased the work of probate genealogists and researchers Fraser ...
Jessica Gough • 18 Dec 2025
Podcast icon Podcast

Challenging the Family Farm Tax with Scott Pepe from NFU

Scott Pepe, explains how the NFU are at the forefront of lobbying the government in relation to farming and talks us thr...
Published • 03 Nov 2025
Blog
We are only too aware that the majority of people are still reluctant to make a will - putting in place the legal s...
Edward Rees • 29 Oct 2025
Blog
Trusts can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the 11th and 12th centuries in England. Crusading English knights l...
Kelly Hughes • 07 Oct 2025
Blog
In these autumn, and the coming winter months, driving at night can be a challenge, but in recent years, the increa...
Cameron Petch • 06 Oct 2025
Blog
A common misconception is that once an individual receives inheritance either under a will or under an intestacy (i...
Sophie Burgoyne • 10 Sep 2025
Podcast icon Podcast

Will the Law Commission’s Proposal for Changes to Wills Make the Vulnerable More Vulnerable? : Edward Rees and Sophie Burgoyne

Discussion of the Law Commission's report regarding reforms to wills, which includes some very interesting proposals....
Published • 02 Sep 2025
Podcast icon Podcast

Update on the Changes to IHT for Farmers & Business Owners : Edward Rees and Sophie Burgoyne

A review of the changes introduced in last autumn's budget, highlighting the main changes to inheritance tax rules, whic...
Published • 19 Aug 2025
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