Guide
Talking to adult children about inheritance plans
A calm framework for sharing gifting intentions without turning a family dinner into a legal briefing.
Inheritance tax figures belong in a planning meeting; family conversations need a different tone. Clients often want children to understand the direction of travel — gifts already made, property intentions, or care preferences — without handing over every account balance.
We suggest a short written summary: what has already been gifted, who holds lasting power of attorney, and where wills are stored. That document can sit with the solicitor and be shared when you choose.
Unequal gifts create tension if left unexplained. A sentence about why one child received help with a house deposit while another will receive a larger residual share later can prevent years of assumption.
If you are considering lifetime gifts or trust introductions, speak with us and a solicitor before the family meeting. Clarity on what is decided versus what is still open keeps the conversation honest without promising numbers that advice has not yet confirmed.