Most people put off writing a will not because they don't understand its importance, but because they don't want to be pushed through a template. We don't work that way. A Sentinel will begins with a conversation about the people you love and the things you own — and ends with a document that, in your own words, does justice to both.
For individuals, married couples, and long-term partners — with careful attention to reciprocal provisions.
Life-interest structures that protect a surviving spouse while safeguarding inheritance for children of prior relationships.
Thoughtful clauses appointing guardians for minor children — often the single most important provision in the document.
Clauses coordinated with shareholder agreements and cross-option arrangements to ensure business continuity.
Provisions for cryptocurrency, online accounts, and intellectual property — an area where standard wills routinely fall short.
Coordinated drafting where assets sit across jurisdictions, in collaboration with local counsel.
A trust is a private constitution — a set of rules for how wealth should behave over time. Well drafted, they protect vulnerable beneficiaries, insulate assets from claim, and provide substantial inheritance tax relief. Poorly drafted, they create decades of expensive uncertainty. We spend the time to do them properly.
Flexible structures giving trustees the authority to distribute income and capital according to changing family circumstances.
Providing income and residence for a surviving spouse while preserving capital for named remaindermen.
Ring-fencing the family home to protect a share against long-term care assessments and second marriages.
Structures for beneficiaries with disabilities, drawn with the appropriate tax elections and welfare considerations.
Straightforward vehicles for children and grandchildren where absolute entitlement is intended.
Ongoing counsel to trustees on discretionary decisions, tax reporting, and periodic accounting obligations.
Excludes Office of the Public Guardian registration fee.
Lasting Powers of Attorney are the single most under-appreciated documents in estate planning. Without them, a family facing sudden incapacity is left navigating the Court of Protection — an expensive, slow, and public process. We advise couples and individuals to complete both LPAs alongside their wills, as a matter of course.
Authorising trusted attorneys to manage bank accounts, investments, property, and business interests on your behalf.
Ensuring your wishes on medical treatment, care arrangements, and end-of-life decisions are honoured.
Bespoke clauses that guide attorneys on investment philosophy, gifting patterns, and lifestyle preferences.
End-to-end handling of Office of the Public Guardian registration, including certificate provision and notification of named persons.
Separate instruments dedicated to business interests, so personal attorneys are not thrust into commercial decisions.
Advance decisions to refuse specific treatments, drafted in coordination with your health & welfare LPA.
When a family loses someone, the last thing they need is to become experts in Inheritance Tax. Sentinel handles estate administration end-to-end: from initial asset tracing and grant applications through to final distribution and estate accounts. We deal with the paperwork. Families deal with each other.
Applications for grants of probate and letters of administration, prepared and submitted on your family's behalf.
Contacting institutions, closing accounts, liquidating investments, and marshalling assets into the estate account.
Preparation and submission of IHT205 or IHT400 returns, with careful application of available reliefs and exemptions.
Transfer or sale of estate property, coordinated with conveyancing partners where required.
Post-death planning to redirect inheritance in tax-efficient ways when family circumstances warrant it.
Formal estate accounts prepared for beneficiary approval, with a clear final distribution and receipt process.
A 30-minute conversation costs nothing and tends to clarify a great deal. We will listen first, and only recommend the services your circumstances actually require.
Book ConsultationAnswers to questions we hear most often. If yours is not covered, we will happily discuss it in your initial consultation.