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Estate Planning, in the context of Will Writing, is an essential part of the discussion; not least in respect of your wishes for family succession and Inheritance Tax mitigation.
Some basic considerations are set out below:

• You make use of lifetime gifts, together with any Business or Agricultural Relief that may be applicable.

• You consider the use of the Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Band as a gift to non-exempt beneficiaries (children/grandchildren).

• You equalise your individual estates as far as possible to ensure that both Nil Rate Bands are used, for example where your joint estates are valued in excess of £624,000 (2008/2009) including the family home that is either in joint or single ownership by considering the advantages of ownership as Tenants in Common.

• You are aware that a well devised Inheritance Tax plan may well be ruined by legislative changes and there have been plenty of these in the last decade.

• You should investigate the potential for a Deed of Variation of an existing Will, where the deceased's Will does not allow for Inheritance Tax Mitigation.

• You consider the use of Enduring Powers of Attorney when either you or a family member does not have the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

Domicile and Residence – there are complex tax rules regarding your status that can seriously influence your estate and tax planning – individual status should always be confirmed for British Nationals living abroad and Non-Domiciled Nationals living in the UK.