Trusts
Trusts – Protect Your Assets, Manage Wealth and Plan for the Future
A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are looked after by one or more people (trustees) for the benefit of others (beneficiaries). Trusts are commonly used to protect family wealth, provide for loved ones and ensure assets are managed and passed on in line with your wishes during your lifetime and after death.
Trusts can be useful in a wide range of situations, including looking after money or property for children until they are older, protecting assets for vulnerable family members, or helping to manage inheritance in a structured and controlled way. They can also provide greater certainty over how and when assets are passed on, which can help avoid misunderstandings or disputes within families.
Trusts must be managed properly by the trustees, who have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. This can involve keeping accurate records, managing investments or property and ensuring that any payments or distributions are made correctly.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we advise on all aspects of trusts in clear, straightforward terms. We help clients set up trusts that suit their personal and family circumstances, as well as their long-term goals.
We also support trustees with the ongoing management and administration of trusts, helping to ensure everything is handled correctly and in line with legal requirements. Where needed, we can assist with resolving issues, updating trust arrangements, or dealing with tax and reporting obligations.
Our aim is to make trust arrangements easy to understand and properly managed, helping you protect assets, provide for future generations and plan with confidence.
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‘Very happy with the service and guidance received and would have no hesitation recommending Grace to others. Grace was excellent.’
Grace Steele
Director and Head of Wills and Probate
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Trusts can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. Our team ensures that your trust is legally compliant, tax-efficient, and aligned with your intentions, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Expertise across all types of trusts and estate planning solutions.
Practical guidance for trustees, settlors, and beneficiaries on administration, compliance, and reporting.
Protecting assets and beneficiaries from legal, financial, and tax risks.
Local solicitors across the East Midlands, providing personalised advice.
Integrated estate planning approach, aligning trusts with Wills, IHT planning, and succession arrangements.
Meet the team
Grace Steele
Grace is a Director and head of our Wills and Probate Department, with over 30 years’ experience in Private Client work in the East Midlands area. Graduating in Law from Sheffield University she trained with a large law firm in Derby. Grace specialises in Inheritance tax planning, Wills, complex and high-value Probate Administration. Grace has…
01773 307 362 | 07562 398394
grace.steele@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Grace Steele is based at our Belper Office.
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Kim Kirk
Kim is a qualified Solicitor and became Deputy Head of Department for Wills and Probate as of April 2025. Kim was made an Associate Solicitor as of May 2025. Kim graduated in law in Sheffield and completed her Legal Practice Course in Nottingham. Kim qualified as a Solicitor in 2012 after completing her training in…
Luke Smyth
Luke is an experienced solicitor and joined Ellis-Fermor Negus in May 2023 as part of the Long Eaton Private client team. He joined the Ripley team in May 2024. Luke qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and has worked in the legal industry since 2005. Luke studied at Sheffield University, graduated in Law and completed…
Joanna Bridges
Joanna qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1996 and joined us in 2012 to work in the Wills & Probate department at our Beeston office. Joanna specialises in Wills & probate matters, acting in the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and in the administration of estates. She also deals with Court…
0115 922 1591
Joanna.Bridges@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Joanna Bridges is based at our Beeston Office.
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Rosie Woodward
Rosie is currently on Maternity leave until 2026. Rosie Woodward is an experienced Legal Executive and joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus Solicitors in November 2022 as part of the Belper Private Client team. Rosie completed a Law degree in Sheffield in 2017 and then trained at a rural branch office of a large Sheffield-based firm, qualifying…
01773 821 665
rosie.woodward@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Rosie Woodward is based at our Belper Office.
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Kenley Flint
Kenley started her career at our Ripley office in 2002 as an office junior straight from school. She then went on to become a Legal Secretary and has experience in Personal Injury, Conveyancing and Litigation. Kenley also completed 2 years at college, to qualify as a Paralegal in 2006. After taking some time out to…
01773 821665
Kenley.Flint@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Kenley Flint is based at our Belper Office.
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Elina Topham
Elina Topham joined our Belper team in July 2023 as a Paralegal in Wills & Probate. Elina has gained extensive legal knowledge working at local firms in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire in various different roles. Elina is experienced in advising and assisting clients with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Estate Administration…
01773 821 665
elina.topham@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Elina Topham is based at our Belper Office.
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Khloe Drabble
Khloe joined the Wills and Probate team at Ripley in 2025 having qualified as a Solicitor in 2023. She graduated from the University of Derby for both her law degree and legal practice course which she followed with a training contract at a firm in Nottinghamshire. Khloe specialises in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.…
01773 744744
khloe.drabble@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Khloe Drabble is based at our Ripley Office.
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Shane Nightingale
Shane is a Private Client Fee Earner in our Wills & Probate department at our Belper Office having joined us in April 2025 with previous experience in Wills & Probate at another local firm. Originally from Peterborough, Shane moved to Derby where he studied LLB Law at the University of Derby, graduating in 2022 with…
0115 821 665
shane.nightingale@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Shane Nightingale is based at our Belper Office.
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Elissa Dagnall
Elissa is a Private Client Fee Earner in the Wills and Probate team at our Beeston office. Originally from London, Elissa moved to Nottingham to study Law at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, Elissa completed an internship year at Trent Vineyard Church, helping within their Compassion ministry projects. Elissa then went on to work…
0115 922 1591
Elissa.Hartley@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Elissa Dagnall is based at our Beeston Office.
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Rebecca Green
Rebecca grew up in Long Eaton and started her career at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 2002 as an office junior. Rebecca has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years and qualified in 2015. She re-joined the Long Eaton office in April 2024 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills and Probate Department.…
0115 972 5222
Rebecca.Green@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Rebecca Green is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Laura Ambalavanar
Laura is currently on Maternity leave until 2026. Laura qualified as a Probate Paralegal in November 2016 and has 4 years’ experience in Private Client work. Laura has experience in the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of straightforward estates and works alongside Rebecca Green on all other Private Client work.…
0115 972 5222
Laura.amba@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Laura Ambalavanar is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Matthew Insley
Matt is a Private Client Fee Earner in the Wills and Probate department at our Long Eaton office, he joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in January 2025. Matt studied Law at the University of Hull and graduated in 2022. In 2023 Matt started studying for his LPC which he does part time at the weekends. Matt…
0115 697 7269
matthew.insley@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Matthew Insley is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Jordan McGregor
Jordan is a Trainee Solicitor currently working in the Wills and Probate team at our Beeston office. Originally from Dorset, Jordan moved to Cardiff where he studied law at Cardiff University, where alongside his final year of study, he completed an internship year at his church Cardiff Vineyard. After graduating, Jordan spent a week with…
0115 922 1591
jordan.mcgregor@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Jordan McGregor is based at our Beeston Office.
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Trusts – Frequently Asked Questions
A trust separates legal ownership from beneficial ownership:
- Trustee: Holds and manages the assets legally.
- Beneficiary: Receives the benefits of the assets, either immediately or in the future.
Trusts are extremely versatile and can be tailored to meet a wide range of personal, family, and business objectives. They are commonly used for:
- Protecting family wealth or business assets from creditors, divorce settlements, or other claims.
- Planning for children, dependents, or vulnerable relatives, ensuring they receive support under defined conditions.
- Minimising tax liability, particularly Inheritance Tax (IHT).
- Ensuring assets are used according to your wishes after death, with clear instructions for trustees.
A trust can continue your legacy, manage complex estates, and provide peace of mind that your beneficiaries are protected.
We offer comprehensive advice and support for all types of trusts, including:
- Setting up trusts: We assist with discretionary trusts, bare trusts, interest-in-possession trusts, and family trusts, helping you choose the right structure for your goals.
- Trust administration: Guidance for trustees on managing assets, complying with legal duties, and maintaining accurate records.
- Updating or varying trusts: Adapting existing trusts to reflect changes in circumstances, tax planning, or family needs.
- Trust disputes: Resolving conflicts between trustees and beneficiaries, or challenging improperly managed trusts.
- Tax and estate planning: Integrating trusts into wider estate planning to reduce IHT and protect assets.
Trusts are useful for a wide range of personal, family, and business purposes. Some of the key reasons to create a trust include:
- Protecting vulnerable family members or children: Ensure that funds are available for care, education, or health needs.
- Controlling the timing and conditions of asset distribution: Decide when and how beneficiaries receive assets, for example, when children reach adulthood.
- Safeguarding assets from claims or creditors: Protect your estate from potential legal challenges or financial risks.
- Minimising inheritance tax and other liabilities: Properly structured trusts can reduce the tax burden on your estate.
- Managing business succession or complex estates: Trusts provide a mechanism to pass on business interests or multiple assets smoothly.
Trusts give you flexibility, control, and security, ensuring that your estate is handled exactly as you intend, both during your life and after death.
Anyone with legal capacity can establish a trust for themselves or on behalf of others. Trustees can include individuals, professionals, or corporate entities.
Contact Us
If you want to protect your assets, plan your estate, or establish a trust, our team can provide clear, expert guidance to ensure your intentions are carried out effectively.
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us