Mirror Wills are simple and flexible, allowing couples to leave everything to each other, then to children—but they can be changed after one partner dies. Mutual Wills are legally binding but too rigid for most families. For couples worried about sideways disinheritance or care fees, a Protective Property Trust in a Mirror Will offers the best of both worlds—protecting your loved ones while giving your partner security and flexibility.

Liam Payne died without a Will, meaning his young son Bear will inherit everything under a Bereaved Minor’s Trust — with ex-partner Cheryl Cole likely acting as Trustee. This trust holds the estate until Bear turns 18, when he’ll receive it all outright, regardless of readiness. It’s a stark reminder of why making a Will matters — to control who inherits, when, and how. Don’t leave it to chance — plan properly to protect your loved ones.

If you leave money to someone on benefits, it could jeopardise their entitlement to Universal Credit or other support. Trusts for disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries offer a safe, legal way to protect both the inheritance and their access to means-tested benefits. This blog explains how Trusts work, the risks of direct gifts or informal arrangements, and how to ensure your loved one is properly looked after — now and in the future.

Worried about care home fees? Protect your home & savings legally with Toucan Law. Call today for expert estate planning advice!

Protect your legacy with a Trust and a Will. Secure your assets, minimise tax, and provide for loved ones. Start planning with Toucan Law

New care fee reforms, including a proposed £86,000 cap, are scrapped. Learn current rules and how proactive planning can protect assets.

Trust funds aren’t just for the wealthy—they can protect assets, support loved ones, and minimise tax. Discover the benefits for your legacy

Discretionary Trusts offer flexible estate planning, protecting assets and adapting to beneficiaries' needs. Learn how they can work for you

Considering putting a house into trust? Learn the differences between Will vs Lifetime Trusts, and Discretionary vs Interest in Possession

Avoid costly mistakes with care fee planning. Learn how to navigate asset deprivation rules & protect your legacy with expert advice.

The 2024 Budget brings big changes to estate planning. Higher IHT, new pension taxes & capped reliefs mean it's time to review your plans!

Estate planning is essential for business owners to ensure continuity, protect assets, & minimise taxes. Learn how to protect your business

Understand the Inheritance Tax 7-year rule to avoid unexpected bills. Learn how careful estate planning can protect you and your loved ones.

Fear care home costs? Gifting your home might not be the answer. Means testing, deprivation of assets, and legal complexities can arise.

Trusts are a versatile and powerful tool in estate planning. Trusts are very common and play a key role in many aspects of everyday life.

Estate planning offers several vital tools to safeguard your children's future, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones

While trusts can offer benefits in estate planning and asset protection, setting them up solely to avoid care fees may not be effective

The benefits of writing life insurance policies into trusts and how it can safeguard your family's financial future.

Protecting Your Loved Ones: A Guide to Estate Planning Strategies

While it is not a legally binding document, a Letter of Wishes is a useful tool designed to complement your Will or Trust