Planning for the future is one of the most important steps a person can take. A well-drafted will, a properly managed estate, and a thoughtful approach to succession can prevent disputes, reduce tax exposure, protect assets and provide reassurance to those who matter most. Whether your affairs are straightforward or involve businesses, trusts, international assets or blended family arrangements, the quality of the advice you receive will shape the outcome long after documents are signed.

At Fortis Rose, we approach private-client work with the same care and precision that define our commercial and litigation practices. Our aim is simple: to give clients clear, intelligent guidance that allows them to make informed decisions, protect what they have built and ensure that their intentions are carried out faithfully.

A Thoughtful, Strategic Approach to Estate Planning

Advising on wills and probate is not simply a matter of filling in forms or choosing executors. Effective planning requires a nuanced understanding of family dynamics, asset structures, tax implications, legal obligations and the very human considerations behind them.

We begin by understanding your priorities, family security, business continuity, asset protection, charitable intentions or the balancing of different interests. From there, we help you design a structure that reflects your aims, works in practice and reduces the risk of conflict.

We regularly assist individuals and families with estates involving property portfolios, business interests, shareholdings, trust arrangements, foreign assets and complex family circumstances. Where necessary, we work alongside independent tax advisers, financial planners and investment professionals to ensure that every aspect of the plan is aligned and tax-efficient.

‘Wills Tailored to You, Not Templates’

A strong will reflects both legal requirements and personal values. We draft wills that are clear, comprehensive and tailored to your circumstances. This includes considering:

• The distribution of property, investments and business assets

• Protection for vulnerable beneficiaries

• Guardianship decisions (if relevant)

• Provisions for blended families

• Trust structures to safeguard long-term wealth

• Business succession wishes

• Detailed replacement clauses to avoid ambiguity

A carefully drafted will is one of the most effective tools for avoiding disputes and ensuring that your estate passes smoothly to those you choose.

Complex Estate Administration and Probate

Dealing with an estate after a death can be emotionally and administratively difficult. The responsibilities placed on executors are significant, especially where the estate contains:

• Multiple properties

• Business or partnership interests

• Share portfolios

• Trust arrangements

• Digital assets

• Overseas property or international succession elements

We provide clear, steady support at every stage, obtaining the grant of probate, valuing assets, settling liabilities, preparing estate accounts and ensuring that distributions are carried out correctly. Where specialist valuations or tax assessments are required, we coordinate with appropriate experts and independent tax advisers to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Trusts, Lifetime Planning & Wealth Protection

Trusts can be powerful tools for family protection, tax efficiency and long-term wealth management. They can preserve assets, provide flexibility in how and when beneficiaries inherit, and protect vulnerable individuals or future generations.

We assist with:

• Creating and structuring trusts

• Advising trustees on their duties and responsibilities

• Lifetime gifts and asset transfers

• Family investment structures

• Business succession planning

• Coordinating trust work with external tax advisers to ensure fiscal accuracy

Our aim is always to balance tax considerations, legal requirements and the personal objectives behind the structure.

Inheritance Tax Planning and Financial Insight

Inheritance tax can significantly reduce the value of an estate if not properly managed. Early, thoughtful planning can make a profound difference.

We advise on the legal aspects of inheritance tax, reliefs and exemptions, and work alongside independent tax specialists where enhanced tax advice is necessary. Together, we help clients explore strategies such as lifetime gifting, business property relief, trust planning and cross-border considerations.

Our role is to ensure the legal framework is robust, not to replace the role of a qualified tax adviser. Where appropriate, we coordinate both to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Addressing Disputes and Preventing Them

Poor drafting, unclear intentions or misunderstandings can lead to disputes between executors, trustees and beneficiaries. These disputes are often emotionally charged and financially damaging.

We help clients resolve challenges involving:

• Contested wills

• Questions of validity or undue influence

• Executor disputes

• Trust disagreements

• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975

• Challenges relating to property and beneficial ownership

Our aim is to resolve matters proportionately, avoiding escalation where possible, but acting firmly where necessary.

Why Clients Choose Fortis Rose

Clients often describe our private-client work as steady, thoughtful and reassuring. They value how we explain complex issues in a structured way, our technical understanding, especially where business assets, trusts or international elements are involved.

We work alongside independent tax advisers to ensure accuracy and efficiency and we help clients plan confidently for the future.

Our approach is human without losing precision, the combination that clients appreciate most at moments that often carry real emotional weight.

Illustrative Example

We recently assisted an executor managing an estate involving multiple UK properties, substantial shareholdings and a family business with complex valuation issues. Working with independent tax advisers and specialist valuers, we prepared a clear probate strategy that reduced inheritance tax exposure, ensured full compliance and enabled the estate to be distributed efficiently.

The process, which could easily have become contentious, was completed smoothly and with clarity for all concerned.